Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels has stated that he is not concerned about reports that his new starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, might not be able to play this season. Garoppolo, who signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Raiders in March, suffered an injured left foot while playing for the San Francisco 49ers on December 4, 2020. He underwent surgery after signing with the Raiders and has not been able to practice on the field with the team during voluntary OTAs, although Garoppolo has been in the building. The Raiders are hopeful that Garoppolo will be available at the start of training camp as he continues to rehab.
Garoppolo’s introductory news conference was postponed a day in March, presumably after the Raiders found issues with his foot and had him sign a waiver/release in place of a physical. Garoppolo’s $11.25 million signing bonus was also converted into base salary, giving him a total $22.5 million base salary for 2023. This conversion lends credence to the notion that Las Vegas could part ways with him should he not be able to pass a physical before the season begins.
McDaniels’ Confidence and Backup Options
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Garoppolo’s injury, Coach McDaniels does not appear worried. When asked about his anxiety regarding the quarterback position, McDaniels smiled and stated, “I don’t worry about the things I can’t control. I have very good information that tells me that we’re going to be fine, you know what I mean? So again, nothing has happened that would’ve changed that, so that’s why I feel that way.”
In the event that Garoppolo is unable to play, the Raiders have backup options. Brian Hoyer, who has experience in McDaniels’ system from his time with the New England Patriots and is entering his 15th NFL season, signed with Las Vegas as a free agent this past offseason and has been taking first-team reps. The Raiders also drafted Aidan O’Connell out of Purdue in the fourth round and return second-year player Chase Garbers.
Despite reports and rumors about Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury and rehab progress, Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels has expressed confidence in the situation and has backup options in case Garoppolo is unable to play.
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