Raiders' Jimmy Garoppolo out against Chargers in crucial division game

01 October 2023 , 00:31

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Jimmy Garoppolocwalk off the field after the team's loss to the Steelers, where he was injured

Due to concussion protocols, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Garoppolo participated in limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday but could not obtain clearance from the league's concussion protocol policy. Raiders coach Josh McDaniels expressed uncertainty regarding when his QB suffered the concussion, and as of Monday, he had yet to have a conversation with the quarterback about the incident.

"I'm not even sure what hit, or if it was just an accumulation of [hits], I have no idea," McDaniels told . "There was never a conversation about that, so I'm not sure, exactly, and I haven't seen him yet this morning, so I'm not exactly sure when it took place or if it was just a culmination of things."

Although Garoppolo did not leave the game due to a head injury, Garoppolo took a hit to the helmet from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick last week that resulted in Garoppolo's head making contact with the turf with less than seven minutes remaining in the game. Such impacts and head injuries are taken seriously, leading to the implementation of concussion protocols to ensure player safety.

While the Raiders have not officially announced their starting quarterback for the game, they must choose between veteran Brian Hoyer and rookie Aidan O'Connell. Hoyer is a seasoned NFL quarterback, but he has primarily served as a career backup in recent years, with only three starts since the 2017 season.

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His experience makes him a reliable option to step in when needed. Contrarily, O'Connell is a fourth-round draft pick with potential and was ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in Bleacher Report's 2023 NFL Draft big board.

The Raiders have a short history of rookie quarterbacks starting for their team; however, one notable exception is Derek Carr, widely regarded as one of the best rookie quarterbacks in the franchise's history. All-Pro receiver Davante Adams expressed confidence during the week that Las Vegas will be well prepared to adapt to either of their potential quarterbacks under center.

Garoppolo is targeting a return in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers, pending his recovery and clearance from concussion protocol. The 31-year-old QB sustained the concussion during the Raiders' 23-18 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers on "Sunday Night Football."

Garoppolo #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders is slow to get up after being injured against the Pittsburgh Steelers

In the three games he has played this season, Garoppolo has completed 64 out of 94 pass attempts for 709 passing yards. He has thrown five touchdown passes but has also been intercepted six times. Here is the full injury report for the Raiders heading into their matchup against the Chargers:

• OUT: QB Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion), CB Nate Hobbs (ankle)
• QUESTIONABLE: S Roderic Teamer (Achilles), DE Maxx Crosby (knee), DE Malcolm Koonce (groin)
• IR: LB Curtis Bolton (knee)

Las Vegas and the Chargers enter the game with identical 1-2 records. The Chargers secured their first win on the road against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

The game is set to kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET and is crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their early-season standings in the AFC West.

Rory Robinson