Raiders HC makes surprising comments about QB's injury status

Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels promises he's not worried about Jimmy Garoppolo's injury. Perhaps he should be more concerned.

"I have no anxiety," he said of the QB's status during a Wednesday news conference. "I'm not going to put a timeline or a day on anything, but like I said, I have no anxiety."

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk recently reported Garoppolo and Las Vegas revised his contract, adding a waiver so he didn't fail his physical. The 31-year-old couldn't pass it because he broke his left foot against Miami in December and needed surgery after signing a three-year, $72.8M deal in March.

Garoppolo hasn't participated during OTAs and may not return until training camp. If he can't pass a physical, the waiver allows the Raiders to release him without paying any of his 2023 salary ($22.5M).

Las Vegas should start thinking about its future at QB, even if Jimmy G. returns. Garoppolo already has an extensive injury history. In six seasons with the 49ers, he missed 31 games with various injuries, such as a torn ACL and ankle issues.  

The Raiders lack another viable starting QB. Backup Brian Hoyer has a 16-24 record as a starter. Chase Garbers attempted no passes last season, and Aidan O'Connell is a rookie. They should sign another free-agent QB like Teddy Bridgewater, a former Pro Bowler. 

Also, scouting the 2024 QB draft class as a precaution is smart. It includes talented prospects such as USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye.

It's not time to hit the panic button since Garoppolo could come back and play. Nonetheless, the most important position is a question mark in Las Vegas.