Insider remains uncertain about injury status of Raiders QB

The health of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is a question that continues to lurk over the Raiders.
 
"I'm curious as anyone on that one. [The Raiders have] played it pretty close to the vest," ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington said Monday on "The Rich Eisen Show." "Until we see Jimmy out there on the field, healthy with that foot passing a physical, I understand why the questions are being asked."

Garoppolo suffered a broken left foot, which required surgery, against Miami in Week 13 last season. Mike Florio of NBC Sports reported that he didn't pass his physical in March and needed a waiver to sign with Las Vegas. It also allows the Raiders to cut Garoppolo and nullify his three-year, $72.75M deal.
 
Even though Garoppolo missed OTAs and mandatory mini-camp, some still believe he should be ready for training camp starting on July 25.

"They knew he would be ready for training camp, but he wouldn't be in the offseason program," former NFL GM Michael Lombardi recently said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "Therefore, they deferred the signing bonus [$11.25M] until he can pass his physical, which he will."
 
Yet, given Garoppolo's injury history, this situation is a red flag. Over the past five seasons, the 31-year-old missed 31 games with various injuries, such as an ACL tear and high ankle sprains.  

The Raiders don't have another viable QB on their roster. Backup Brian Hoyer has a 16-24 starting record, while Chase Garbers attempted zero passes last season and Aidan O'Connell is a rookie.
 
If Garoppolo isn't ready for training camp or the regular season, Las Vegas should sign another QB like Teddy Bridgewater. And it might want to consider some longer-term options in the 2024 NFL Draft.