Christian Ponder will start in Week 9

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that quarterback Geno Smith suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday’s loss to the Giants.

Carroll seems to indicate Smith’s season is over. "That's pretty hard to bounce back," Carroll said. “That might knock him out of next week, we'll have to wait and see." While Carroll didn’t rule Smith out for next week, there is zero reason to play him at this point. The Raiders are one loss away from securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. It could be another start for Kenny Pickett against the Chiefs.

Between injuries and rough surroundings, the trade for Smith (and subsequent contract extension) did not pan out well at all for the Raiders. Getting the No. 1 pick will put them in position for either Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza or Oregon QB Dante Moore.

49ers TE George Kittle is inactive for Sunday Night Football against the Bears.

Kittle did not practice all week due to a sprained ankle and is now officially out for a key Sunday night game. Jake Tonges will step in as the top tight end and has some streaming potential if you are in a pinch. Elsewhere, WR Ricky Pearsall is active.

Steelers TE Darnell Washington suffered a broken arm during Sunday’s loss to the Browns.

We should get official word Monday, but his season is more than likely over. He almost certainly won’t be available for what is now a winner-take-all game in the AFC North against the Ravens next week. Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith will be the two main players at the position, but Pittsburgh will miss Washington’s blocking ability and occasional pass-catching opportunities.