Raiders' Garoppolo in concussion protocol following SNF loss

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is in the concussion protocol following Sunday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Josh McDaniels announced Monday, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic.

Garoppolo wasn't evaluated for a concussion during the game and played throughout. He was assessed after the Week 3 contest.

McDaniels said he didn't know what hit may have caused Garoppolo's injury and there was no discussion in the fourth quarter about the quarterback potentially having a concussion.

The veteran signal-caller threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns against three interceptions during the prime-time matchup. His six picks through three games lead the NFL.

If Garoppolo is unable to play in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders would turn to either Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O'Connell.

Garoppolo has a long injury history. He underwent foot surgery in March that sidelined him during some of the Raiders' offseason program. He also suffered season-ending injuries in both 2018 (torn ACL) and 2020 (high ankle sprain) and has had a host of other minor ailments throughout his career.

The 31-year-old signed with the Raiders as a free agent this offseason to replace longtime starter Derek Carr and reunite with McDaniels, whom he worked alongside with the New England Patriots for three seasons to begin his career.

He spent the last six years with the San Francisco 49ers, starting 55 games and throwing for 82 touchdowns against 42 interceptions. He led the NFC West club to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019.