For Geno Smith, quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers, it’s one shot to redemption. He was out for last week’s game with injury issues, but he’s looking to return in full force. The star 29-year-old quarterback missed the entirety of last week’s practice. In addition to missing out on the trip, his squad’s evisceration at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles was shocking and embarrassing, a humbling 31-0 shutout. Smith practiced Wednesday, a good sign that he’ll make a return in time for this next Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Smith sat out the last game with a right shoulder and back injury. Given this trend, concerns have arisen about Kenneth Gainwell’s readiness for Sunday’s matchup. When asked about his status, Smith refrained from providing specifics, saying, “I’m just taking it day by day, trying to see how I feel today after practice, and then we’ll move on from there.”
Though Smith faced a slew of disappointments, he maintains hope that his long term future with the Raiders is not yet written. He asserted, “I’m expecting to win a lot of games here,” reflecting his determination to improve the team’s performance. Those numbers might indicate that Smith is just going through a very rough season. He ranks 29th in passer rating (84.5) and is 32nd in QBR (32.4). It’s true that he’s currently in last among all qualified quarterbacks — far behind Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward — in both regards.
In 13 full starts with the Raiders, Smith has averaged 203 yards per game, compiling 17 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. His performance this season has been under scrutiny as he seeks to improve his game and contribute more effectively to the team. He is certainly not alone in feeling the pressure worsening as he is shouldering a large financial load. It’s a $26.5 million cap hit in 2026 and $39.5 million in 2027, having signed a two-year, $75 million extension this past offseason.
As the Raiders look towards their next game against Houston, Smith is the first to admit it’s an uphill battle right now. “That’s our record … There’s no assessment to be made,” he stated, indicating a focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on past performances.
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