By Tashan Reed, Vic Tafur and Nando Di Fino
Jimmy Garoppolo to Start for Raiders Against Lions After Back Injury
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who missed his team’s Week 7 game against the Chicago Bears due to a back injury, will start versus the Detroit Lions on Monday, coach Josh McDaniels said. Here’s what you need to know:
Garoppolo’s Injury and Recovery
Garoppolo sustained the injury in the second quarter of Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots. He was taken to the hospital out of fear of internal injuries after exiting the game. After a week of recovery and practice, Garoppolo has been deemed fit to start against the Lions.
Importance of Garoppolo’s Return
Since Garoppolo went down with a back injury, the Raiders turned to backup quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Brian Hoyer. However, their performances were lackluster, resulting in two losses for the team. Garoppolo’s return provides a significant upgrade over the backups and gives the Raiders a fighting chance against the Lions. While Garoppolo’s performance this season has been underwhelming, his experience and leadership make him a valuable asset to the team.
Expectations for Garoppolo
The Raiders need Garoppolo to be more aggressive on the field while also taking better care of the football. Despite being one of the most conservative quarterbacks in terms of average depth of throw, Garoppolo has thrown eight interceptions in just 4 1/2 games of action. To turn around their struggling offense, Garoppolo must step up his game and perform at a higher level.
Fantasy Impact
Garoppolo’s return will have more of a “real world” impact than a fantasy one. While he may not be starting for 1QB teams with no players on bye this week, he is a viable option for 2QB or SuperFlex formats. However, fantasy owners should not expect too much excitement or high-scoring performances from Garoppolo.
Reactions from the Team
Receiver Davante Adams expressed excitement about Garoppolo’s return, highlighting his experience with the team’s offense. Adams believes that having Garoppolo back in the lineup will benefit the team and they will make the most of every opportunity they get.
Conclusion
Jimmy Garoppolo’s return to the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders after recovering from a back injury is a significant development for the team. Despite his underwhelming performance this season, Garoppolo’s experience and leadership make him a valuable asset. The Raiders will be looking to him to provide a much-needed boost to their struggling offense. Fantasy owners should temper their expectations but can consider starting Garoppolo in 2QB or SuperFlex formats. With Garoppolo back in action, the Raiders have a better chance of competing against the Detroit Lions on Monday.