Geno Smith throws TD pass in only drive for Raiders, who fall to Cardinals 20-10

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — It was another short night for Geno Smith, Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders starters.

That's not a bad thing. Coach Pete Carroll said he's seen all he needs heading into the Raiders' regular-season opener on Sept. 7 against the New England Patriots.

“They've done everything we could have asked,” Carroll said. “Really thrilled about what we've seen.”

The Raiders (0-2-1) played several starters on their opening offensive and defensive drives, and each unit had success against the Cardinals’ backups in a 20-10 loss on Saturday night. The Las Vegas defense forced a punt without allowing a first down and then the offense went on a touchdown drive that took less than five minutes.

Smith capped the nine-play, 60-yard drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass to rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr., who fought off Denzel Burke at the front pylon to make the catch and give Las Vegas a 7-0 lead.

Smith completed 2 of 3 passes for 26 yards and the touchdown, backup Aidan O'Connell was 3 of 4 for 36 yards before leaving with a fractured right wrist and third-string rookie Cam Miller was 12 of 24 for 102 yards.

O'Connell is expected to miss six to eight weeks, putting a damper on an otherwise positive night.

“He fractured his wrist — he’s hurt — it’s going to be a while,” Carroll said. “That’s a big blow for us.”

Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty gained five yards on two carries. Zamir White ran for a team-high 42 yards on nine carries. The Raiders' defense had five sacks.

Arizona's Clayton Tune handled the entire game under center, and the third-string quarterback finished with 83 yards passing and a touchdown, along with 47 yards rushing. He connected with Simi Fehoko on a 10-yard touchdown late in the first quarter, tying the game at 7-all.

“Good win, I liked some things that we did out there today,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said. “Thought it was a much better performance. It was cool to see us learn from Week 2, make improvements, and do a little better.”

Cardinals (2-1) rookie Jordan Burch, a third-round pick out of Oregon, had a sack and forced a fumble. Xavier Thomas had two sacks. Most of Arizona's starters — including quarterback Kyler Murray — haven't played since the preseason opener against the Chiefs.

The 27-year-old Fehoko also caught a touchdown pass in last week's game against the Broncos. Running back Michael Carter — who like Fehoko is fighting for a roster spot — had a 31-yard gain in the first half, turning what looked like a dead play into a long gain after bouncing off a pile of bodies at the line of scrimmage.

Zonovan Knight ran for a 67-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to give the Cardinals a 17-10 lead.

Las Vegas' Daniel Carlson connected on a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter.

O'Connell left the game in the second quarter and didn't return. ... Cardinals cornerback Jaylon Jones was evaluated for a concussion.

The Cardinals travel to face New Orleans and the Raiders visit New England on Sunday, Sept. 7 in the regular season's opening week.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) can't make the catch as Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll watches play during the first half of an NFL preseason football game agaisnt the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Las Vegas Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals line up during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) takes the snap against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)