Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Malik Willis

Friday, November 7, 12:34 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (quad) was diagnosed with a quad contusion following Thursday's Week 10 loss against the Denver Broncos, head coach Pete Carroll told members of the media, including NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Smith briefly exited the game early in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Kenny Pickett, who attempted one pass. The veteran quarterback returned to the game, then left again with a "questionable" designation in the final minutes. Las Vegas did not get the ball back, and it's unclear whether Smith or Pickett would have earned snaps if the Raiders' offense returned to the field. The 35-year-old completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards and his league-leading 12th interception of the season. He also took six sacks. It remains to be seen whether Smith will play in Week 11. On a positive note, playing on Thursday night gives him a full 11 days to rest and recover before the Raiders return to action against Dallas.

Tuesday, August 19, 12:31 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that backup quarterback Malik Willis will play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers also plan on playing some or most of their starters, at least for a little bit. We would be surprised if starting QB Jordan Love (thumb) plays this weekend after having a minor surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb last week. The 26-year-old Willis went 6-for-14 for 83 yards on the first three possessions of the second preseason game last weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. Love is fully expected to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September, so Willis is primed to open the season as Green Bay's backup signal-caller. The former third-rounder by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 played in seven games in his first year with the Packers in 2024 and led the team to two wins with Love sidelined by injury.