Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo leaves Patriots game in an ambulance after back injury

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly left Sunday’s game against the Patriots in an ambulance. Heidi Fang of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported the news.

Garoppolo exited Sunday’s game with a back injury. Specifics regarding the situation were not mentioned, other than he left the stadium in the ambulance.

“I just saw Jimmy Garoppolo get into an ambulance and he’s being transported from the stadium now,” Fang reported. “Just happened to be walking in tunnels and saw him get in.”

I just saw Jimmy Garoppolo get into an ambulance and he’s being transported from the stadium now. Just happened to be walking in tunnels and saw him get in. #Raiders

— Heidi Fang (@HeidiFang) October 15, 2023

Prior to his exit, Garoppolo completed 14-of-22 passes for 162 yards with a touchdown and an interception. NFL veteran Brian Hoyer came in as his replacement to finish the game.

Garoppolo sustained the injury on the final drive of the first half, per CBS. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Garoppolo missed Raiders-Chargers game with concussion

This marks the second time this season Garoppolo has sustained a significant injury. The quarterback missed Las Vegas’ Week 4 game against the Chargers because of a concussion.

Garoppolo suffered the concussion in a 23-18 loss to the Steelers in Week 3. Because he was still going through protocol, the quarterback missed the following game. The Raiders started rookie Aidan O’Connell.

The former Purdue gunslinger completed 24-of-39 attempts for 238 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. He was also sacked seven times but scored a rushing touchdown.

Garoppolo returned the following week for Las Vegas’ showdown against Green Bay. He threw for 208 yards with a touchdown and a pick while completing 22-of-31 throws in a 17-13 victory over the Packers.

Raiders signed new QB during 2023 offseason

With Derek Carr leaving Las Vegas for New Orleans, the Raiders needed a new quarterback. So, during the offseason, the franchise signed Garoppolo, who proved himself during his time with San Francisco.

The two sides agreed to a three-year deal worth $72.75 million.

Although he was expected to be a backup in San Francisco, Garoppolo provided consistency under center for the 49ers. As a starter with the team, he posted a 38-17 record. He was also 2-0 during his time in New England.

Las Vegas needed to fill the void left by Carr, a Pro Bowl quarterback who had previously spent his entire career with the Raiders before signing with the Saints. While Garoppolo owned a 2-2 record in his first four starts, health now seems to be a concern for the 31-year-old quarterback.