### Geno Smith's Return: A Critical Moment for the Raiders Amidst a Tough Season The Las Vegas Raiders are set to see a significant change as quarterback Geno Smith returns to the starting lineup for their upcoming game against the Houston Texans. Smith missed the previous game due to shoulder and back injuries, which contributed to the Raiders' dismal performance in a 31-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Coach Pete Carroll has confirmed that Smith will lead the team for the remainder of the season unless he suffers another injury. This decision comes as the Raiders are struggling with an eight-game losing streak, while the Texans are on a six-game winning streak and boast the NFL's top-ranked defense, making this matchup particularly challenging for Smith and the Raiders [https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/geno-smith-returns-as-raiders-starting-qb-against-texans-amidst-challenging-season-football-nfl-houston-las-vegas, https://apnews.com/article/smith-raiders-texans-eagles-c2f22c26c018c78ff2648f0fa0f66f87]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Segments 1. **Geno Smith's Injury and Return** - Smith missed the last game due to shoulder and back injuries but has returned to practice and is cleared to play against the Texans [https://www.silverandblackpride.com/las-vegas-raiders-news/117901/raiders-news-geno-smith-play-quarterback-houston-texans]. 2. **Performance of Backup Quarterback** - Kenny Pickett, who started in Smith's absence, struggled significantly, completing only 15 of 25 passes for 64 yards and was sacked four times [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_qb_geno_smith_back_as_starter_vs_texans/s1_17049_43228589]. 3. **Upcoming Challenge Against the Texans** - The Texans lead the NFL in points and yards allowed, presenting a formidable challenge for Smith and the Raiders, who have the league's worst offensive statistics [https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/3432234/geno-returns-for-raiders-vs-texans-top-ranked-defense]. 4. **Coaching Decisions and Future Outlook** - Coach Pete Carroll has indicated that Smith will remain the starter for the rest of the season unless he is injured again, highlighting the team's reliance on him to turn around their fortunes [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/geno-smith-will-start-for-the-raiders-on-sunday]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Geno Smith's Season Stats**: - **Passing Yards**: 2,648 - **Touchdowns**: 16 - **Interceptions**: 14 - **Sacks Taken**: 49 in 13 games [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/las_vegas_raiders_geno_smith_expected_to_start_for_rest_of_season_kenny_pickett_heads_back_to_the_bench/s1_14819_43228570]. - **Texans' Defensive Rankings**: - **Points Allowed**: 16.3 per game (1st in NFL) - **Yards Allowed**: 269.2 per game (1st in NFL) - **Sacks**: 38 (8th in NFL) [https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/3432234/geno-returns-for-raiders-vs-texans-top-ranked-defense]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Game for the Raiders In summary, **Geno Smith's return is crucial for the Las Vegas Raiders as they face a daunting challenge against the Houston Texans**. The team's performance has been lackluster, with an eight-game losing streak and a struggling offense. Smith's ability to lead the team effectively against the NFL's top defense will be pivotal in determining the Raiders' prospects for the remainder of the season. The stakes are high as they aim to break their losing streak and regain some semblance of competitiveness in the league. 1. **Geno Smith returns as starting QB** 2. **Kenny Pickett's poor performance in Smith's absence** 3. **Texans' formidable defense presents a significant challenge** 4. **Coach's confidence in Smith for the remainder of the season** [https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders/raiders-starting-qb-practices-might-return-for-texans-game-3596842].