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Paul Gutierrez, ESPN Staff Writer
LAS VEGAS — Jimmy Garoppolo’s locker remained untouched over an hour after the Las Vegas Raiders held off the New England Patriots 21-17 on Sunday.
During halftime, Garoppolo was taken to the hospital in an ambulance due to a reported back injury, leaving his future uncertain. Nevertheless, his presence resonated strongly in the locker room as the Raiders secured their second consecutive victory, improving their record to 3-3. Brian Hoyer, the seasoned backup quarterback, stepped in for Garoppolo in the second half and led the team to victory, setting them up for their upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears (1-5).
Raiders coach Josh McDaniels acknowledged Garoppolo’s departure but did not provide an update on his condition. McDaniels mentioned that precautionary tests were being conducted to ensure the quarterback’s well-being.
Aidan O’Connell, a rookie, previously stepped in for Garoppolo during the Raiders’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 when Garoppolo was out with a concussion. With concerns surrounding Garoppolo’s availability for the next game, McDaniels refrained from confirming the starting quarterback for the upcoming matchup.
The Raiders faced a 13-3 halftime lead led by Garoppolo, who completed 14 of 22 passes for 162 yards and a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers. However, Garoppolo also threw his eighth interception of the season during the game. Despite potentially sustaining the injury during the last possession of the first half, Garoppolo continued to play, displaying his commitment to the team.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs expressed his concern for Garoppolo and emphasized the need for the next player to step up in his absence. Defensive player Maxx Crosby echoed this sentiment, stating that while they were praying for Garoppolo’s recovery, they had to focus on winning the game. The Raiders managed to secure the victory thanks to Hoyer, who showcased his experience as a veteran quarterback during the game.
Hoyer, who previously played for the New England Patriots, was met with some hostility from Raiders fans at Allegiant Stadium. However, he silenced the critics by delivering an impressive performance, including a 48-yard deep pass to rookie Tre Tucker, which became the Raiders’ longest play from scrimmage in the season thus far. Hoyer attributed his success to his familiarity with the Patriots’ defensive strategies.
Despite the unexpected situation, Hoyer displayed composure and relied on the Raiders’ strong defense to make calculated decisions on the field. McDaniels expressed his hope for a healthy quarterback room and acknowledged Garoppolo’s contributions before his injury. The team will patiently await updates on Garoppolo’s condition before determining their next move.
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