The Las Vegas Raiders are enduring a challenging season, even worse than many experts initially expected. Their struggles deepened last week when starting quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a season-ending collarbone injury. In response, the Raiders are turning to a familiar face. According to Tom Pelissero, Aidan O’Connell, last year’s primary starter, will take over as QB1 as the team prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
O’Connell began the season as the backup, losing the starting role to Minshew. However, injuries to Minshew have already given O’Connell some opportunities this season. The second-year quarterback has appeared in four games, starting two, amassing 455 yards with a 63.4% completion rate, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Last season, O’Connell stepped in for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo, starting 10 games and throwing for 2,218 yards, with a 62.1% completion rate, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. While he proved to be a capable starter last year, the stakes this season are notably different.
Currently sitting at a dismal 2-9 record after a loss to the Denver Broncos, the Raiders’ playoff hopes are all but extinguished. However, they have the opportunity to play spoiler against the Chiefs, who narrowly avoided an upset against the Carolina Panthers last week.
