Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Anthony Richardson Sr.

Friday, December 12, 5:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder, back) was unable to practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 15 contest this Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles, according to the team's website. Kenny Pickett will draw his first start with the Raiders against his old team in potentially snowy conditions, making him a desperation QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues. Smith injured his right throwing shoulder in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, although it's not considered a serious injury, and he could make it back next week against the Houston Texans. However, if Pickett plays well this weekend, the Raiders could bench the struggling Smith for the final three games of the year. The 35-year-old Smith hasn't had much help from his offensive line, but he's been one of the worst starting QBs in the NFL this year, completing 67% of his passes for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a league-high 14 interceptions while taking a league-high 49 sacks.

Wednesday, December 10, 2:12 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) was present at Wednesday's practice for the first time in weeks, James Boyd of The Athletic reports. Head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that Richardson wouldn't be activated off Injured Reserve this week, but he also hasn't been ruled out for the season. It's a positive development for the 2023 fourth overall pick, who suffered an orbital fracture in pre-game warmups before the Colts' Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. With Daniel Jones out for the season with a torn Achilles and rookie Riley Leonard's status up in the air due to a knee injury, the Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers on Tuesday, and he could start as soon as Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Richardson is still in play to return this season, though his timeline is uncertain. His status will be worth monitoring now that he is seemingly getting closer to making a return.