Geno Smith ruled out for Week 18 as Raiders vie for No. 1 draft pick

Geno Smith will not play in the Raiders’ season finale Sunday as Las Vegas continues to be firmly in the hunt for the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The team ruled out its starting quarterback Friday after he did not participate in practice all week while dealing with an ankle injury.

Two other players — offensive lineman Dylan Parham (illness) and defensive lineman Adam Butler (biceps) — were also ruled out of the Raiders’ home matchup against the Chiefs.

Running back Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle) has been given the questionable tag.

Star defensive end Maxx Crosby, of course, had already been ruled out of the contest last week after being placed on season-ending injured reserve.

At 2-14, the Raiders are currently the favorites for the No. 1 slot in April’s draft, although a win could seriously complicate their chances of picking first.

Four teams — the Giants, Jets, Titans and Cardinals — all sit near the Raiders at 3-13, and each of the quartet heads into Week 18 as an underdog.

The Raiders, too, will head into their last game of the year as long shots to win, with the Chiefs sitting at 5.5-point favorites.

One assistant general manager told NFL Insider Jordan Schultz they would “love to see” the Heisman Trophy winner, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, end up in the silver and black this spring — which would be a real possibility with a Raiders loss to Kansas City.

Kickoff at Allegiant Stadium is slated for 4:25 p.m. ET.