Kenny Pickett inched closer to starting Sunday’s game for the Raiders on Thursday, the second day in a row without Geno Smith on the practice field.
Smith is nursing a right shoulder injury and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, ceding first-team snaps in practice to Pickett, who replaced Smith after he was hurt in a 24-17 home loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday.
Smith was injured during the third quarter. Pickett entered the game in the fourth quarter and threw a TD pass, going 8 of 11 for 97 yards.
Raiders coach Pete Carroll described Smith’s injury as a “jammed” throwing shoulder. Imaging of the shoulder showed no structural damage, Carroll said.
The Raiders (2-11) acquired Pickett, 27, from the Browns after training camp was completed in August. Cleveland acquired Pickett from the Eagles, where he was the backup to Jalen Hurts for the Super Bowl champions last season. But the Browns didn’t have a need at the position after drafting two quarterbacks in a span of 50 picks — Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, Dillon Gabriel in the third — and signing Joe Flacco in free agency.
With the Raiders, Pickett is 10 of 14 for 105 yards and one touchdown in three games as a reserve this season.
“He came in with some good energy. He was able to put some points on the board — just execution,” Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty said of Pickett. “He practices well. Whether he goes or not (Sunday), I know he’ll work hard and be ready.”
Pickett has completed 481 of 769 passes (62.5%) for 4,870 yards, 16 TDs and 14 picks in 33 games (25 starts) for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-23), Eagles (2024) and Raiders. He is 15-10 as a starter.
The Steelers selected him 20th overall in the 2022 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.
The Raiders have lost seven straight games heading into Sunday against the Eagles (8-5).
Smith, 35, has passed for 2,648 yards and 16 touchdowns and is tied for the NFL lead with 14 interceptions. He is in his first season with the Raiders after being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection (2022, 2023) and 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Smith has thrown for 21,791 yards, 121 touchdowns and 86 interceptions in 12 seasons for the New York Jets (2013-16), New York Giants (2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018), Seahawks (2020-24) and Raiders.
The Jets selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University.
