Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo clears concussion protocol

Even with the return of Garoppolo, the 20-point benchmark may still be difficult for Las Vegas to reach with wide receiver Davante Adams missing practice Thursday and Friday due to a shoulder injury suffered against the Chargers. 

Adams was able to finish the game, hauling in eight catches for 74 yards, but two consecutive missed practices does not bode well for his status even with an extra day to get healthy for "Monday Night Football."

This would be a massive loss for a Raiders passing game that has gotten little production from anyone else. 

In 2023 the former Packers standout has 397 yards on 33 receptions. The Raiders player closest to him in production in Jakobi Myers, who has just 199 yards on 18 receptions. Running back Josh Jacobs is the only other player with more than 10 receptions this season, with eight of those coming last week with O'Connell under center. 

To further complicate matters for Garropolo, injured Green Bay defensive starters cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Rudy Ford both practiced on Friday for a secondary that has allowed the 11th-fewest passing yards per game so far in 2023.

Garoppolo spoke to the media shortly after the news that he was cleared to play broke on Friday and talked about what he expects to face from the Green Bay defense. 

"A fast defense, they can fly around," he said. "Its a talented group that's going to make it tough on us overall with good players at key positions."

Whether Adams is healthy for Monday's game or not, Las Vegas needs to find a way to get Jacobs going on the ground. After winning the 2022 rushing title, Jacobs didn't join the Raiders until Aug 27 while working on his new contract. Since returning to the field, he's averaging just 2.7 yards per carry against some of the weakest run defenses in the NFL. 

If Jacobs is able to finally have a breakout game, the Raiders may have a chance against the Packers. But if all the pressure to move the ball falls on Garoppolo's shoulders once again, expect Las Vegas to fall to 1-4.