Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Shedeur Sanders

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.

Thursday, November 6, 5:44 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) was upgraded to a full practice participant on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday due to a back injury, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Back tightness forced Sanders to be inactive for the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots, which led to Bailey Zappe serving as the backup to rookie Dillon Gabriel. The 23-year-old Sanders is obviously feeling much better after having last week's bye to heal up, so it looks like he'll be back this weekend as the QB2 behind Gabriel against the New York Jets. Sanders, whose draft-day fall to the fifth round was the story of this year's NFL draft, has been praised by the coaching staff for the work that he's put in. However, Gabriel has gotten the first crack at starting duties in 2025 after the team traded away Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. Sanders could get his shot later this year, but right now, he's only stash-worthy in fantasy leagues in dynasty/keeper formats.