Raiders starting quarterback to miss Sunday’s game against Eagles

Quarterback Geno Smith has been ruled out of Sunday’s road game against the Eagles, clearing the way for Kenny Pickett to make his first start for the Raiders.

Coach Pete Carroll confirmed Smith’s status after Friday’s practice, shortly before the team departed for Philadelphia.

Smith missed his third session of the week Friday as he deals with back and right shoulder injuries.

Carroll has not indicated whether Smith’s absence could extend into multiple games.

Smith has struggled in his first season with the Raiders, as he is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (14) with Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa.

Smith has completed 266 of 397 attempts for 2,648 yards and 16 touchdowns, putting together a 2-11 record and losing the past seven games.

Pickett, the backup quarterback on the Eagles’ championship team last season, was solid in relief last week for the Raiders.

He went 8-for-11 for 97 yards and a touchdown and led the Raiders to 10 points in the final 2:14.

Quarterbacks coach and offensive play-caller Greg Olson said he took a lot of positives from Pickett’s effort in the loss to the Broncos.

“He had, I think, six or seven completions in a row down the stretch,” Olson said. “He managed it in a very difficult situation. He had two two-minute situations and scored 10 points. So, it was good to see. He’s had some rapport, obviously, with (Shedrick Jackson) running the show team and the scout team in practice over the last six months.

“He’s just done a good job and just stayed involved.”

Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pitt in 2022, has started 25 of the 33 games in which he has played. His teams have a 15-10 record in those games.

Aidan O’Connell will serve as the backup to Pickett on Sunday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.