Kenny Pickett to Start for Raiders Against Eagles

Kenny Pickett has been named the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. This decision comes after incumbent starter Geno Smith was sidelined due to shoulder and back injuries sustained during the Raiders' recent 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos. Coach Pete Carroll confirmed that Smith did not practice throughout the week, leading to Pickett's promotion to the starting role.

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Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, has had a tumultuous career path. After two seasons in Pittsburgh, where he started 24 games and recorded a 15-10 record, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024. During his time with the Eagles, he backed up Jalen Hurts and contributed to the team's Super Bowl victory. Following the Eagles' championship run, Pickett was traded to the Cleveland Browns and then to the Raiders in August 2025. He has appeared in three games this season, completing 10 of 14 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown.

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In his last appearance against the Broncos, Pickett stepped in for Smith and completed 8 of 11 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Carroll expressed confidence in Pickett's readiness, stating, “He’s done everything we could ask of him... He’s in command of what we’re doing.” This will be Pickett's first start for the Raiders and his second start in two seasons.

New York Times

The Raiders currently hold a disappointing 2-11 record, placing them at the bottom of the league standings. With the playoffs out of reach, the focus has shifted to evaluating potential future quarterbacks. Some analysts suggest that Pickett's performance could impact the team's draft strategy for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, where they may seek a franchise quarterback. Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal noted that if Pickett performs well, it could hinder the Raiders' chances of securing a high draft pick.

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Coach Pete Carroll emphasized the importance of Pickett's preparation and mindset, stating, “We’ll support him in every way that we can to have a good game.” Meanwhile, Smith is expected to return for the following week's matchup against the Houston Texans, pending his recovery.

NBC Sports

Despite the optimism surrounding Pickett's start, some critics argue that the Raiders' decision to start him could backfire. Bonsignore pointed out that winning games with Pickett might sabotage the team's chances of acquiring a top quarterback in the draft, a sentiment echoed by fans who are concerned about the long-term direction of the franchise.

Newsweek

As the Raiders head into this critical matchup against the Eagles, all eyes will be on Pickett to see if he can leverage his past experience with the team and deliver a strong performance. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both Pickett's career and the Raiders' future strategy.

Raiders’ Pete Carroll says Kenny Pickett will start vs. Eagles