Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a broken thumb on his throwing hand, according to an individual with close knowledge of the situation. The source, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, revealed that while the injury is serious, it may not be as severe as initially feared due to the break’s specific location on O’Connell’s thumb. He’s set to seek a second opinion, and the Raiders are expected to place him on injured reserve.
Potential Quarterback Solutions for Raiders: Desmond Ridder Signed
In response to O’Connell’s injury, the Raiders have reportedly signed quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, as another source. Ridder, who started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons last season, may compete with Gardner Minshew to take over as starting quarterback while O’Connell is out. This acquisition could provide depth and competition in the quarterback position amid an uncertain season for the Raiders.
Ridder’s NFL experience includes passing for 2,836 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with the Falcons. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Cincinnati, Ridder was a teammate of current Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker. The Falcons traded Ridder to Arizona earlier this year, on March 14, in an offseason move.
Quarterback Struggles and Changing Lineup for Raiders
Head coach Antonio Pierce has been navigating a turbulent quarterback situation this season. Minshew, the initial starter, took the lead for the Raiders in their first five games but struggled with turnovers, leading Pierce to make the decision to start O’Connell. In his first start against the Los Angeles Rams, however, O’Connell’s opportunity was cut short by his thumb injury in the first quarter. Minshew returned as quarterback, though he threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in a 20-15 loss to the Rams.
Last season, O’Connell became the Raiders’ starting quarterback in the second half and was initially positioned as a backup this season behind Minshew. However, Minshew’s ongoing struggles, including six touchdown passes against 10 interceptions, prompted Pierce’s decision to give O’Connell his shot at starting.
Raiders Set to Face Chiefs in High-Stakes Game
The timing of O’Connell’s injury adds to the Raiders’ challenges, as they prepare to host the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Without a decisive starting quarterback, the Raiders face an uphill battle. Minshew, who has not consistently delivered under pressure, and Ridder, who is still getting settled with the Raiders, will likely compete for the role.
Despite the difficulties, the Raiders have an opportunity to make adjustments with Pierce’s coaching staff and bring Ridder up to speed. Raiders fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the team navigates these lineup changes to seek stability within their quarterback ranks.
