Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will miss the next two games of the NFL season after being suspended for violating the league’s Performance Enhancing Substances Policy. The suspension stems from Garoppolo using a prescribed medication without having a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption from the league, according to sources.
Garoppolo’s Appeal Denied by the NFL
Garoppolo, who joined the Raiders in 2023 after a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, appealed the suspension but was denied by the NFL. He claimed that he was unaware of the policy violation and that he had taken the medication for a legitimate medical condition. However, the league found that Garoppolo had failed to follow the proper procedures and protocols for obtaining a TUE, which is required for any player who needs to use a banned substance for a medical reason.
The NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substances Policy states that “Players are responsible for what is in their bodies and a positive test result will not be excused because a player was unaware that he was taking a Prohibited Substance.” The policy also warns that “Players are responsible for ensuring that any medication they take is not a Prohibited Substance and that they have a valid prescription for any medication they take.”
Garoppolo’s Absence a Blow for the Raiders
Garoppolo’s suspension is a major blow for the Raiders, who are currently in the playoff hunt with a 9-5 record. Garoppolo has been a key factor in the team’s success, throwing for 3,276 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 14 games. He has also led the Raiders to four fourth-quarter comebacks and five game-winning drives this season.
The Raiders will have to rely on backup quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has not started a game since 2021, when he was with the Indianapolis Colts. Hoyer has appeared in four games this season, completing 12 of 18 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Raiders will also have rookie Aidan O’Connell, who was signed from the practice squad, as the third-string quarterback.
The Raiders will face the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos in their final two games of the regular season. Both teams are division rivals and potential playoff contenders, making Garoppolo’s absence even more costly. The Raiders will need to win at least one of these games to secure a postseason berth, or hope for other teams to lose.
Garoppolo’s Future with the Raiders Uncertain
Garoppolo’s suspension also raises questions about his future with the Raiders, who signed him to a five-year, $137.5 million contract in 2023. Garoppolo has a no-trade clause in his deal, but the Raiders could opt to release him after the 2024 season and save $25.6 million in cap space. The Raiders could also try to renegotiate his contract or seek a trade partner, if Garoppolo agrees to waive his no-trade clause.
Garoppolo, who is 32 years old, has had a history of injuries and inconsistency in his career. He has missed 25 games due to various ailments, including a torn ACL in 2019 and a high ankle sprain in 2020. He has also been criticized for his decision-making and accuracy, especially in clutch situations. Garoppolo has a career record of 34-18 as a starter, but has also thrown 43 interceptions in 62 games.
Garoppolo’s suspension could also affect his reputation and market value, as he will be viewed as a potential risk for violating the league’s drug policy again. Garoppolo will have to prove that he can stay healthy and productive, as well as abide by the league’s rules, if he wants to remain with the Raiders or find another team in the future.
