The Las Vegas Raiders offense is going to look incredibly different in 2023 as they’ve got a new quarterback under center.
The Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency, and while he’s never been considered one of the elite signal callers in the NFL, he does bring a wealth of experience at the position. Garoppolo’s familiarity with Josh McDaniels should also help ease the transition as he begins to build rapport with his new teammates.
There was a wave of concern earlier in the offseason when it was revealed that Garoppolo underwent surgery for a broken foot, though the Raiders never seemed concerned about it publicly. After missing OTAs, Garoppolo reported to training camp and looked healthy.
However, Garoppolo did leave the practice field early on Wednesday though that seems to be a precautionary move via Mark Anderson of AP:
Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo left practice early Wednesday as Las Vegas coaches monitor his time on the field as he comes back from a broken left foot.
Garoppolo, who injured the foot last season while quarterbacking the San Francisco 49ers, also did not practice Friday. Wednesday was his third consecutive day on the field, and Garoppolo was given the early time off. The team is off Thursday.
A foot injury can come back to haunt a player if not treated properly, so it’s good that Las Vegas’ coaching staff recognizes the need to ease Garoppolo in. The quarterback has an extensive injury history, so keeping him as healthy and fresh as possible before the season starts should be of the utmost importance.
When Garoppolo is off resting, Brian Hoyer has come in to run the first-team offense and lead drills in his stead. While Hoyer is a capable backup, the Silver and Black know they’ll need Garoppolo available if they hope to compete in what looks like a loaded AFC.
Hunter Renfrow says Jimmy Garoppolo is fun to play with
Hunter Renfrow, one of Garoppolo’s new targets in the passing game, is hoping to bounce back from a dismal 2022 season where he spent a good chunk of it hurt. When healthy, Renfrow is one of the best slot receivers in the game as he’s a technician running routes with sure hands.
Renfrow hasn’t spent too much time with Garoppolo on the field, but he seems to be enjoying his new quarterback as he’s expressed how fun it’s been to play with him so far.
