Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a broken collarbone during a 29-19 home loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The injury occurred following a late-game sack, forcing the Raiders to substitute Desmond Ridder in his place.
Minshew had been steady in Week 12 prior to his exit, completing 25 passes for 230 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also endured three sacks and lost a fumble. Ridder, stepping in as backup, added 64 passing yards on five completions, while punter AJ Cole contributed a surprising 34-yard pass. Despite these efforts, the Raiders couldn’t recover, extending their losing streak to seven games—most of which have been decided by at least two touchdowns.
Looking ahead, the Raiders face significant challenges with their remaining schedule. Aidan O’Connell is expected to return for the Black Friday matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Sources confirm he is eligible for activation this week and likely to start. Currently, O’Connell and Ridder are the leading candidates to take the helm, but Las Vegas might explore adding former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to the roster.
The Giants shocked the NFL on Friday by releasing Jones, a former sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft. Jones had struggled during his time in New York, leaving the Giants with over $20 million in dead cap space. His availability presents an intriguing opportunity for the Raiders, who have faced some of the league’s most inconsistent quarterback play this season. With plans to target a quarterback in next year’s draft, Las Vegas may consider giving Jones a chance to finish out the season.
Minshew’s injury caps off a difficult season for the quarterback, who was benched three times before his recent setback. Over nine games, he threw for 1,783 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions while being sacked 26 times. This performance is a sharp decline from his 2023 season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he started all 17 games, tallied 3,305 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
As the Raiders navigate another tough loss, the team’s quarterback situation remains uncertain, leaving fans wondering how the franchise plans to rebound in the weeks ahead.
