Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo has lost $180K since injury
Jimmy Garoppolo’s absence is eating away at the Las Vegas Raiders playoff hopes and the quarterback’s pockets.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Garoppolo has a recurring $90,000 bonus written into his contract that triggers every game he is on the active roster. Thus far, Garoppolo has missed two games during his Raiders tenure, costing the quarterback $180,000 in potential bonuses.
Injuries have long been an issue for Garoppolo, who has otherwise proved to be one of the winningest QBs in the NFL.
Garoppolo’s 69.4% career winning percentage as a starter is sixth best among active quarterbacks (minimum 10 games). Yet, since becoming a full-time starter in 2017, Garoppolo has been active for just 62 of 105 potential regular-season games.
Garoppolo did not play in Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears due to a back injury initially suffered in the first half of Las Vegas’ Week 6 win over the New England Patriots. Garoppolo was also sidelined for the Raiders 24-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. The Raiders are 0-2 without Garoppolo and 3-2 in games he has played.
Las Vegas is hopeful Garoppolo will be ready for the team’s Week 8 game at the Detroit Lions. Heading into the Bears game, head coach Josh McDaniels told reporters Garoppolo “dodged a big bullet” regarding serious injury. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo, “there is a real chance Garoppolo is back next week.”
With his record as proof, Garoppolo remains the Raiders best option to win games. Yet, injury concerns and uneven play cap Las Vegas’ chances of being a legitimate threat in the AFC West. Garoppolo’s eight interceptions are tied for the NFL lead with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has attempted 97 more passes than Garoppolo.
If injuries and turnovers linger for Garoppolo, his reign in Sin City could prove short-lived. Per Tankathon, the Raiders are projected to select No. 12 overall in April’s NFL Draft, which boasts a handful of blue-chip prospects at quarterback.
