Geno Smith Returns as Raiders Face Texans, but the Bigger Picture Looms Large
Geno Smith was back on the practice field Wednesday, just in time for the Las Vegas Raiders' Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans. After missing last week’s game with a shoulder injury, Smith’s return comes as a welcome sight for head coach Pete Carroll-especially after a rough outing from backup Kenny Pickett in Week 15.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Raiders’ 31-0 loss to the Eagles was about as brutal as it gets. Pickett, thrust into the starting role, managed only 64 passing yards. The offense never got off the ground, and the Raiders looked every bit like a 2-12 team.
Now, with Smith back under center, the Raiders are hoping to regain some offensive rhythm, even if the broader stakes are murky. When asked about his mindset, Smith kept it simple and focused: “Try to win each game. That’s the goal.”
It’s the kind of answer you expect from a veteran quarterback-especially one trying to reassert himself after a rocky season. But for Raiders fans, the reality is a bit more complicated.
At 2-12, Las Vegas currently holds the top spot in next year’s draft. And with the Giants and Titans also sitting at 2-12, even a single win could knock the Raiders out of the No. 1 slot.
So, here lies the tension: Geno Smith wants to win. The team, at least on paper, wants to win.
But the long-term interests of the franchise? They may be better served by losing out.
That’s not a knock on Smith. He’s a competitor, and after being traded to the Raiders in March and signing a $75 million extension, he has every reason to prove he’s still a starting-caliber quarterback.
But the numbers haven’t backed him up. He’s thrown 14 interceptions-second-most in the league-against just 16 touchdowns.
It’s been a tough debut season in silver and black.
Now, with two games left and his shoulder seemingly healed, Smith has a chance to finish strong. Whether that means salvaging his standing with the coaching staff or simply putting better tape out there, he's clearly approaching these final weeks with purpose.
But the challenge ahead is steep. The Texans come into Sunday boasting the league’s best defense.
They’ve been fast, physical, and opportunistic all year, and they’re not likely to ease up with playoff positioning still on the line. For Smith, it’s a tough draw in his return.
For Raiders fans, it’s a strange game where both sides might quietly be rooting for the same result.
There’s no question the Raiders have holes to fill across the roster, and a top draft pick could be a franchise-altering asset. But for now, the focus shifts back to the field.
Smith’s back. The Texans are waiting.
And the Raiders, whether they admit it or not, are walking a tightrope between short-term pride and long-term promise.