Geno Smith injury update: Raiders QB faces flak after ‘dirty hit’ vs Broncos; Nik Bonitto reacts

Geno Smith Injury Update

Geno Smith faced criticism even after returning from a “dirty hit” during the Las Vegas Raiders game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday. The Raiders’ quarterback was sacked up to five times in the first half and went down awkwardly following a tackle by Nik Bonitto, appearing to injure his leg during what seemed like a minor scramble.

Injury and Return

Smith spent time in the medical tent before testing his knee on the sideline, where he did light jogging as trainers assessed his condition. Despite the injury, he returned to the field in an attempt to finish the game, with the Raiders trailing by just three points at that moment.

Team Reactions

While Smith was injured, Bonitto watched without any visible reaction. With Smith sidelined, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett took over. Pickett is currently the only fully healthy quarterback on the roster; Cam Miller is on the practice squad, and Aidan O’Connell remains on injured reserve.

Public Response

Smith faced backlash on social media, with one user pleading,

“Take Geno Smith out of the game, please.”

Another pointed out that Smith has thrown 12 interceptions this season, the most in the league.

Season Overview

The Raiders invested in Smith’s veteran experience this offseason, hoping it would bring stability to their offense. However, halfway through the season, the gamble has yet to pay off, as Smith struggles with consistency. The Raiders had a 2-6 record entering the Broncos game.

Author’s summary: Geno Smith’s injury and inconsistent play have sparked criticism amid a challenging season for the Raiders, highlighting ongoing struggles at quarterback.

Hindustan Times — 2025-11-07