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 throughout 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 will likely be additional shorthanded on the QB spot if that proves to be true on this occasion.
Gardner Minshew suffered a broken collarbone in November, leaving O’Connell in place to reclaim beginning duties upon being activated from injured reserve. Minshew had gained the offseason competitors used to find out Vegas’ Week 1 starter, however neither passer impressed throughout coaching camp or the preseason.
O’Connell noticed enjoying time previous to touchdown on IR, and Minshew’s damage coincided along with his return to action.
The 2023 fourth-rounder has not loved a lot success this yr, though his displaying 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 an alternative, 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 manner right into a cope with the Raiders or one other group along with his showings within the coming weeks if he finds himself as their solely out there passer.
For O’Connell, this growth disrupts his efforts to safe a beginning gig with the Raiders. He and Minshew are beneath contract for subsequent yr, 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 group to observe intently on that entrance.
Vegas misplaced 28-13 to Tampa Bay on Sunday, dropping the group’s document 2-11 on the yr. The Raiders might very properly be in place to pick a passer throughout 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 embrace new faces beneath middle.
