Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is set to return to the field for Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions after missing last week’s game due to a back injury. Raiders coach Josh McDaniels confirmed Garoppolo’s availability, stating that he has shown good progress in his recovery and has been displaying leadership and energy in practice.
Garoppolo sustained the injury just before halftime in the Raiders’ win over the New England Patriots on October 15. He was taken to the hospital for testing and scans, causing concerns about a potential internal injury. Fortunately, the tests came back negative, and Garoppolo has been cleared to play.
The absence of Garoppolo was felt in the Raiders’ 30-12 loss to the Chicago Bears last week, with veteran Brian Hoyer starting in his place. Despite not being able to play, Garoppolo traveled with the team and provided support from the sidelines. He emphasized the importance of making the best of the situation and is now focused on preparing for the upcoming game against the Lions.
This is not the first time Garoppolo has missed a game this season. He also sat out the Raiders’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers due to injury, with rookie Aidan O’Connell stepping in as the starting quarterback. Garoppolo signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Raiders in the offseason but has faced some setbacks with injuries.
Despite his limited playing time, Garoppolo has shown promise when on the field. He has passed for 1,079 yards, completing 68.0% of his passes with 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. The Raiders are hopeful that his return will provide a much-needed boost to their offense and help them secure a win against the Lions.
In addition to Garoppolo’s return, the Raiders are also closely monitoring the status of All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson. Carlson suffered a groin injury during pregame warmups before the Bears game and has not practiced this week. As a result, the Raiders have signed James McCourt as a backup option. McCourt has impressed the team with his performance in practice and will be ready to step in if needed.
The Raiders are looking to bounce back from their recent loss and improve their overall record of 3-4. A win against the Lions would provide a much-needed boost to their playoff aspirations. Garoppolo’s return, coupled with the potential contributions of McCourt, will be crucial in achieving this goal.
As the Raiders prepare for Monday night’s game, they are focused on executing their game plan and addressing areas of improvement, particularly in the red zone and scoring area. McDaniels emphasized the importance of having good practices leading up to the game and building momentum.
Overall, the Raiders are optimistic about Garoppolo’s return and the potential impact he can make on the team. His leadership, experience, and playmaking ability will be vital in guiding the Raiders to victory. With a strong performance from Garoppolo and support from the rest of the team, the Raiders are determined to come out on top against the Lions and turn their season around.