Geno Smith’s injury not serious, but Las Vegas loses O-Lineman for ‘some time’

Ahead of the 2025 season, Las Vegas The Raiders were praised for their recruiting general manager John Spaytek and head coach Pete Carroll. This duo was believed to lead the Raiders back to glory. However, a 2-7 mark in Carroll’s first season was disappointing, to say the least. After their third straight loss, a 10-7 decision to the Denver Broncos, Carroll had several injury changes. Quarterback Geno Smith has a bruised thigh, according to team beat reporter Ryan McFadden via X, formerly of Twitter. However, offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson will be out for “a while” after maintenance ankle injury.

“#Raiders coach Pete Carroll said JPJ will be out ‘for a while’ with an ankle injury,” McFadden posted after the game. “Parham suffered a high ankle sprain. And Geno Smith has a bruise on his thigh.”

The Raiders third straight loss is complicated by the loss of an integral part of Smith’s protection. While the veteran quarterback returned to action after a brief absence, Smith continued to be ineffective in his efforts to carry offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s offense. After signing Smith to an extension following his trade acquisition from the Seattle Seahawks, this season has been difficult for all parties involved. Can Carol help get the ship back on course after the upcoming mini-bye?

The Raiders’ first season under Pete Carroll has been disappointing so far

Smith isn’t the only disappointing part this new look Raiders roster. Many players have dealt with injuries, from tight end Brock Bowers to offensive tackle Colton Miller. Now, with Powers-Johnson and Parham dealing with ailments of their own, Smith’s protection against the Dallas Cowboys next Monday night could be even worse. Carroll is secured more information about his quarterback after the game, shared by NFL insider Tom Pelissero on X.

“Raiders coach Pete Carroll says QB Geno Smith has bruised his thigh,” Pelissero reported. “‘He’s hit.’ He doesn’t sound worried about Smith’s availability for next week.”

Even if Smith is ready to go, Monday night could be another disappointing outing for the Raiders. The road to Dallas is never easy, and the Cowboys are looking to return to the postseason after missing out in 2024. Without Miller and now Powers-Johnson, Las Vegas will have to do everything they can to keep their quarterback upright. If they can’t, then a fourth straight loss could come.