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The Las Vegas Raiders have chosen veteran Brian Hoyer to lead the team against the Chicago Bears in the Week 7 NFL game. Hoyer will step in for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo, who has officially been ruled out.
According to the team's injury report, Garoppolo was unable to participate in practice all week. The quarterback left the Week 6 game against the New England Patriots with a back injury.
In the official statement, the team mentioned that they are still deciding between Hoyer and rookie Aidan O'Connell. "Both guys are having a good week practicing. We'll see how today goes, and then we'll make the right decision," said head coach Josh McDaniels.
The coach assured that, at the end of the day, both players will be ready to take the field and expressed his confidence in them. However, sources close to the team say that Hoyer was McDaniels' choice to visit the Bears at Soldier Field.
Brian Hoyer this season
Commentators had initially speculated that O'Connell would be McDaniels' choice. However, the rookie had his chance in Week 4, against the Los Angeles Chargers, and showed that he is not yet ready to be a starter.
Hoyer also had the opportunity to do so, precisely after Garoppololeft the duel against New England. The Michigan State graduate had a discreet performance with six of 10 completions for 102 yards, without a score, but he was not intercepted or had fumbles.
In his career, Hoyer has started 40 games, with 908 completions of 1,528 attempts, 10,770 yards, 53 touchdown es, and 35 interceptions.
The absences of Raiders against Bears
Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett have also been ruled out for Sunday's game.
Hobbs will miss his fourth consecutive game with an ankle injury. Bennett is battling shoulder and knee injuries that prevented him from practicing on Friday, so he was also out.