When Geno Smith took a knee to the thigh late in the fourth quarter of the Las Vegas Raiders’ 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos on November 7, 2025, at Empower Field at Mile High, he didn’t scream, didn’t clutch his leg dramatically—he just winced, walked to the sideline, and got treated in the medical tent. He returned to finish the game. But while Smith’s injury was minor, the bigger story was the collapse around him: Jackson Powers-Johnson, the Raiders’ only consistent offensive lineman, is out for an extended period with a high ankle sprain. And with that, the team’s offensive line—already the worst in the NFL—just lost its last anchor.
The Offense That Won’t Stop Breaking
Smith completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards, one interception, and zero touchdowns against the league’s top-ranked defense. He was sacked twice, pressured seven times, and spent most of the second half scrambling sideways like a man running from a wildfire. He didn’t throw a single pass beyond 15 yards downfield. The offense managed just 217 total yards. And yet, head coach Pete Carroll, 73, stood at the podium after the game and said, with zero irony, "Geno’s our guy. He’s not going anywhere unless he’s physically unable to play." That’s not confidence. It’s desperation. Meanwhile, Jackson Powers-Johnson, the 24-year-old second-round pick from Oregon, was carted off in the third quarter after a low block on a run play twisted his ankle. He’d been the only bright spot on a line that’s allowed 31 sacks this season—the most in the league. Pro Football Focus graded him as the best right guard in Week 9, allowing just one pressure in a game against Jacksonville. He’d given up only two sacks all year. Now, he’s gone for weeks, maybe months.Who’s Left to Block?
Enter Alex Cappa, 29, the veteran who was signed off the Bengals’ scrap heap on August 15, 2025. He’s played 350 snaps this season. Cappa has allowed 12 pressures and one sack. That’s more pressures than Powers-Johnson allowed in his entire 700-snap season. He’s not a bad player—he’s a journeyman who’s been in four different systems since 2018. But he’s not a solution. The Raiders’ offensive line has now lost three starters to injury this season. Left tackle Kolton Miller missed four games with a hamstring tear. Center Andre James has been playing through a high ankle sprain since Week 5. And now, Powers-Johnson, the one guy who was actually holding it together, is gone. "It’s not just about talent," said a former NFL offensive line coach who asked to remain anonymous. "It’s about cohesion. These guys haven’t played together long enough to develop chemistry. Every time someone goes down, the whole system resets. And Smith? He’s getting hit before he even gets into his drop. How’s he supposed to read coverage?"Why This Matters Beyond the Stats
The Raiders’ 2-7 record isn’t just about bad coaching or poor drafting. It’s about a broken foundation. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, the sixth overall pick from Boise State, has averaged just 3.1 yards per carry. He’s not slow—he’s running into traffic before he even gets to the line of scrimmage. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, 54, runs a complex, timing-heavy system that requires clean pockets and precise routes. But with the line collapsing on every third down, the scheme is irrelevant. The plays look great on paper. On the field? They’re a disaster. And here’s the cruel twist: the Raiders hired Carroll in January 2025 with the expectation he’d bring structure, discipline, and a winning culture. Instead, he’s presiding over the most dysfunctional offense in franchise history. His 73-year-old body might still be full of energy, but his roster? It’s falling apart.
What’s Next? The Mini Bye and the Long Road
The Raiders now have a mini bye week—something they’ve been begging for since Week 3. Carroll said it’s "a real chance to maximize their return opportunity." That means two things: Aidan O’Connell, the 24-year-old fourth-round pick from Purdue, might finally return from his wrist injury. And Lonnie Johnson Jr., the safety signed in March, could be back to shore up a secondary that’s given up 28 passing touchdowns. But here’s the problem: even if they return, the offensive line won’t magically fix itself. And Smith, for all his grit, is not a miracle worker. He’s 34. He’s been hit 142 times this season—the most of any quarterback in the NFL. He’s not going to last another 10 games like this.The Bigger Picture: A Franchise in Freefall
The Raiders’ headquarters in Henderson Center, Nevada, are sleek and modern. But behind the glass walls, the culture is rotting. Owner Mark Davis, 79, has overseen eight head coaches since 2011. This is his ninth season without a playoff appearance. The front office, led by GM John Spytek, 47, has made a series of expensive, high-profile hires—Carroll, Kelly, Spytek himself—that have all failed to produce. The team is $18 million over the salary cap next year. They’ve got no first-round pick in 2026. And now, their best offensive lineman is gone. This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a reset. And it’s too late for Band-Aids.Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Geno Smith’s thigh bruise?
Smith’s thigh bruise is not considered serious—he returned to finish the game after brief treatment. However, with 142 quarterback hits this season, the cumulative toll is alarming. The real danger isn’t the bruise itself, but the fact that he’s being hit repeatedly due to the offensive line’s collapse. A single bad hit could lead to a more severe injury, especially with his age and wear-and-tear history.
Why is Jackson Powers-Johnson’s absence so damaging?
Powers-Johnson was the only offensive lineman on the roster with consistent, high-level play. He allowed just two sacks all season and was graded the best right guard in Week 9. His absence forces the Raiders to start Alex Cappa, who has allowed 12 pressures in half the snaps. The drop-off isn’t just about skill—it’s about continuity. The line has lost three starters this year, and now the one guy holding it together is gone.
Can Aidan O’Connell take over if Smith gets hurt?
O’Connell has been practicing and is expected to return from his wrist injury during the mini bye. But he’s a fourth-round pick with just 11 career NFL pass attempts. His arm strength is decent, but his decision-making under pressure is unproven. With the offensive line as it is, even a polished veteran would struggle. O’Connell would likely face the same chaos—just with less experience to handle it.
Is Pete Carroll’s job in danger?
Not yet. Carroll’s reputation as a winner protects him, and owner Mark Davis has a history of sticking with coaches through long rebuilds. But if the Raiders lose their next three games—including a home matchup against the Chiefs—the pressure will mount. The team’s 2-7 record is the worst start since 2018. Fans are already calling for changes. Without a turnaround by Week 14, the front office may be forced to make a move.
What does this mean for the Raiders’ future draft strategy?
With no first-round pick in 2026 and the offensive line in shambles, the Raiders will likely target offensive linemen early in the 2027 draft. But they’re also facing a $18 million cap overage next year, which limits their ability to sign free agents. The only realistic path forward is developing young talent—like Powers-Johnson was supposed to be—and that’s now in jeopardy. Their window to rebuild is closing faster than anyone expected.
How does this compare to past Raiders failures?
This season mirrors the 2018 and 2020 Raiders teams—high expectations, poor execution, and a broken offensive line. But unlike those years, this team had more talent on paper. The difference? Leadership. The front office has made too many short-term hires without building a cohesive system. Now, they’re paying for it with a roster that’s aging, injured, and demoralized.