The Raiders have already been dealt one notable blow on the damage entrance with respect to the quarterback place. They seem to have endured one other throughout Sunday’s motion.
Aidan O’Connell went down with a leg damage through the third quarter of Vegas’ sport in opposition to the Buccaneers. An air forged was positioned on his left leg earlier than he was carted off the sphere. Such circumstances are sometimes tied to main accidents and prolonged absences, and the Raiders shall be additional shorthanded on the QB spot if that proves to be true on this occasion.
Gardner Minshew suffered a damaged collarbone in November, leaving O’Connell in place to reclaim beginning duties upon being activated from injured reserve. Minshew had received the offseason competitors used to find out Vegas’ Week 1 starter, however neither passer impressed throughout coaching camp or the preseason.
O’Connell noticed taking part in time previous to touchdown on IR, and Minshew’s damage coincided along with his return to motion.
The 2023 fourth-rounder has not loved a lot success this 12 months, though his exhibiting in opposition to the Chiefs on Black Friday (314 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions) showcased the potential for a late-season run of stronger outings. As a substitute, O’Connell’s consideration will now flip to restoration because the Raiders transfer ahead with Desmond Ridder beneath middle.
The previous Falcon has made three appearances in 2024, his debut Vegas marketing campaign. Ridder — a pending restricted free agent — might play his method right into a cope with the Raiders or one other staff along with his showings within the coming weeks if he finds himself as their solely out there passer.
For O’Connell, this improvement disrupts his efforts to safe a beginning gig with the Raiders. He and Minshew are beneath contract for subsequent 12 months, however Vegas has lengthy been seen as a suitor for a notable QB addition this offseason. With neither signal-caller easing doubts about their future earlier than being injured, the Raiders will little doubt be a staff to look at carefully on that entrance.
Vegas misplaced 28-13 to Tampa Bay on Sunday, dropping the staff’s document 2-11 on the 12 months. The Raiders might very effectively be in place to pick a passer through the first spherical of the draft in consequence.
O’Connell, 26, might return once more this season relying on the severity of his damage, however he could be sidelined till a 2025 marketing campaign which might embody new faces beneath middle.
