Smith returns, aiming for wins. But can his renewed drive, amid a dismal season, be enough to take the Raiders out of the No. 1 position for the draft?
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith returned to practice on Wednesday before speaking with the media about the team’s upcoming Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans.
The news of Smith’s return comes after missing Week 15’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, in which the Raiders lost 31-0 with Kenny Pickett starting in Smith’s place. Pickett didn’t impress in his opportunity under center, tallying just 64 passing yards in the game.
Despite the optimism of having a breath of fresh air under center after a disappointing season from Smith in his first season in Las Vegas, head coach Pete Carroll will be happy to have Smith back from his shoulder injury.
When speaking with reporters after practice, Smith made his goals clear after his return to the field.
“Try to win each game,” Smith said. “That’s the goal.”
Ironically, it’s not quite the answer that Raiders fans hope comes true, as at this point in the season, with a 2-12 record, there’s no more use in winning even one more game. Las Vegas holds the claim to the number one overall selection in next spring’s draft.
With the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans holding the same record, winning one more game this season would likely throw the Raiders out of the No. 1 spot. As many holes as there are on the Raiders’ roster, earning the top pick in the draft would be the only way to make the hurt of this season not sting as badly for fans.
Of course, it makes sense for Smith do his best to win games. After being traded to Las Vegas in March and signing a $75 million extension, he hasn’t proved to be worth the third-round pick given up for him in any way. He's second in the league in interceptions with 14 and has thrown just 16 touchdowns on the year.
Now back from injury and likely with even more hunger, Smith isn’t shy about his intentions of winning football games for the Raiders, even if it's too little too late. It’ll be tough for Smith this Sunday, however, facing the best defense in the NFL in the Houston Texans. Both Raiders and Texans fans will be hoping for the same outcome in Houston.