Jimmy Garoppolo signed with the Las Vegas Raiders with the intention of handling the quarterback reins post-Derek Carr. But now, someone else will have to line up behind center during OTAs and perhaps training camp.
Latest Jimmy Garoppolo Injury Update
Per Raiders insider Tashan Reed of The Athletic on Thursday, Garoppolo had foot surgery following his signing in March.
That surgery stems from a foot fracture late last season with the San Francisco 49ers, which ultimately paved the way for “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy to take over and guide the Niners to the NFC title game.
Garoppolo, per Reed, is not participating in voluntary workouts for the Raiders as they have returned for OTAs. Head coach Josh McDaniels also addressed Garoppolo’s health.
“He’s going through his process just like we knew he would,” McDaniels said Thursday. “Nothing has happened that would surprise us based on the information we had.”
MORE: Davante Adams Reveals the Packers’ Contract Offer That Drove Him to Las Vegas
Reed adds that there’s no timetable for when Garoppolo returns, which more than likely wipes out minicamp but could stretch into the beginning of training camp.
Garoppolo’s surgery additionally reintroduces concern for his health, given the fact that the 49ers saw him go on injured reserve periodically during his tenure there (2017-2022).
Garoppolo, in total, missed 31 total games due to various injuries, including a torn ACL, shoulder surgery last offseason, and his foot fracture in 2022. Garoppolo has additionally suffered three season-ending injuries before his arrival to the Raiders.
Who Will Handle Raiders QB Duties in Garoppolo’s Absence?
A rotation behind center is likely in Sin City for May to June … perhaps late July as well if Garoppolo’s recovery time stretches.
The Raiders drafted Aidan O’Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Purdue. But the Silver and Black have two other veterans they can turn to in guiding the offense — especially the newcomers — in Garoppolo’s absence.
MORE: Las Vegas Raiders 2023 Schedule
Brian Hoyer, who’s a past McDaniels quarterback with the New England Patriots, is one option. Then there’s Chase Garbers, who found his way to the Raiders after going undrafted in 2022 out of Cal. The belief from Reed, though, is that O’Connell could push Hoyer into becoming QB2 once Garoppolo is cleared.
Despite the setback on Garoppolo’s end, McDaniels and the Raiders sound confident he’ll be ready by the start of the 2023 season.
“We don’t play a game for 100 days,” McDaniels said. “Everything that’s happened since we signed Jimmy, we knew ahead of time. Certainly had an awareness of all of it. Our preference is not to push it and rush anybody back at this point in time.”