Las Vegas Raiders quarterback taken to hospital after suffering back injury

15 October 2023 , 22:31

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Jimmy Garoppolo had started the game well

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been taken to a local Nevada hospital after being forced to exit the game against his former team the New England Patriots.

Garoppolo was announced as doubtful to return after leading the Raiders to a field-goal drive, with him looking frustrating and holding his back as he left the field.

It was then reported that he'd go to hospital to be assessed, with his backup Brian Hoyer set to play the rest of the game in his absence.

Garoppolo did not appear to be in too much pain, and was seen walking away from the field, but the true extent of the injury is not yet known.

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The Raiders quarterback left the game with the team leading 13-3, after he went 14 for 22 with 162 yards and a touchdown - thrown to fellow former Patriot, Jakobi Meyers.

Garoppolo spent three seasons with the Patriots after being drafted by them in 2014, going on to win two Super Bowls as a back-up quarterback behind Tom Brady before joining the San Francisco 49ers as their starter.

Garoppolo then spent five years with the Niners, before losing his spot to Brock Purdy and signing with the Raiders as a free agent this summer, replacing Derek Carr. He signed a three-year deal worth $65 million (£52 million) as an unrestricted free agent - despite the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson being available.

Garoppolo holding his back as he left the game

The team has had a tough start to the season with a 2-3 record heading into the Patriots game, with Garoppolo throwing six touchdowns to seven interceptions to begin the year.

But with their back-up options being journeyman Hoyer and rookie Aidan O'Connell, the team will need Garoppolo for the rest of the year or they could be looking at a tough season ahead of them - while having a brutal schedule.

The Raiders still have to play the Kansas City Chiefs twice, while also facing the likes of the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers and New York Jets in the coming weeks.

The team have already been identified as one who could look to make some moves prior to the trade deadline, potentially moving on from key players should they continue to struggle - and look to enhance their odds at landing a top prospect in next year's loaded NFL draft.

Charlie Wilson