What Is Geno Smith's Injury Status for Raiders vs. Eagles? Will Kenny Pickett Start?

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is expected to be sidelined for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that Kenny Pickett is expected to start after Smith missed a second straight day of practice with a shoulder injury.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that Smith was "unlikely to play" against the Eagles, putting Pickett in line to start against his former team and the defending Super Bowl champs.

The Raiders lost Smith in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos when he suffered injuries to his right hand and shoulder. Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll initially said Smith's hand was cut and his shoulder "really locked up," but it didn't appear that there was significant damage.

Smith had thrown for 116 yards and a touchdown on 13-of-21 passing while sustaining three sacks before his exit from Sunday's game. Pickett filled in for him in relief and threw for 97 yards and a touchdown on 8-of-11 passing, but Las Vegas suffered a 24-17 loss that dropped its record to 2-11 and extended its losing streak to seven straight games.

▶️ Full Broncos-Raiders Recap

04:15

The No. 20 pick in the 2022 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickett has struggled to live up to expectations since entering the league. He failed to keep his starting job in Pittsburgh and was traded to the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season. This past offseason, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in March before being shipped to the Raiders in August.

Las Vegas is in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, so Pickett won't face much pressure to secure a win, but it can be expected that he will be motivated to showcase his skills if he's under center vs. Philadelphia.