Tag: Aidan O’Connell

Sep 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) takes the field before the start of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell to start Friday vs. Chiefs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders will start quarterback Aidan O’Connell in their Black Friday game against the host Kansas City Chiefs.

Head coach Antonio Pierce made the announcement Wednesday, declaring O’Connell ready to play after being sidelined since Week 7 because of a thumb injury.

“We feel good about Aidan. He’s been dialed in,” Pierce said via a team video. “Obviously, throughout this time he’s been on IR, he’s been in all the meetings; he’s been very encouraging on the sideline. He has that laser-eye focus right now. Great opportunity for him.”

The Raiders lost starter Gardner Minshew for the season to a broken collarbone in the team’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

O’Connell, 26, returned to practice on Monday and received first-team reps. He has completed 52 of 82 passes for 455 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in four games (two starts) this season.

He threw for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games (10 starts) as a rookie last season. He was selected by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Desmond Ridder, 25, acquired after the injury to O’Connell last month, will serve as backup against the Chiefs (10-1).

The Raiders are 2-9 entering the AFC West clash.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) is flushed from the pocket by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Report: Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell in line to start vs. Chiefs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is expected to be under center to start Friday’s game against the host Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Network reported.

O’Connell is eligible to return from injured reserve in time for the game for the Raiders (2-9), who saw fellow quarterback Gardner Minshew sustain a season-ending broken collarbone during the team’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

O’Connell, 26, returned to practice on Monday and received first-team reps.

He has been sidelined since injuring his thumb in Las Vegas’ 20-15 setback to the Los Angels Rams on Oct. 20.

O’Connell has completed 52 of 82 passes for 455 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in four games (two starts) this season.

He threw for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games (10 starts) as a rookie last season. He was selected by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Desmond Ridder, 25, replaced Minshew on Sunday and completed 5 of 10 passes for 64 yards. Ridder has appeared in three games this season for Las Vegas and is 16 of 26 for 138 yards with one TD.

Minshew, 28, completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Broncos. He finished his first season with the Raiders with 2,013 yards, nine TDs and 10 picks on 66.3 percent passing.

Minshew joined the Raiders in free agency after stints in Jacksonville (2019-20), Philadelphia (2021-22) and Indianapolis (2023) and won the starting job in camp. He was benched multiple times for O’Connell during a tough season for the Raiders, losers of seven straight games.

–Field Level Media

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Raiders confirm QB Gardner Minshew out for season, look to Aidan O’Connell

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season due to a broken collarbone, head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Monday, leaving the Raiders with a short week to determine their starter.

Minshew suffered the injury when he was sacked and landed on his left shoulder late in the fourth quarter of Las Vegas’ 29-19 home loss to the Denver Broncos.

Former starter Aidan O’Connell, who was sidelined by a thumb injury in Week 7, could return off injured reserve in time for the Raiders (2-9) to face the two-time reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs (10-1) on Friday in Kansas City.

“We’ll see if Aidan is good to go,” Pierce said. “He’s been ramping up.”

O’Connell entered the 21-day practice window on Monday as the Raiders determine when to activate him.

“Seeing him able to grip the ball comfortable, hopefully, no pain there, and just being able to be efficient,” Pierce said. “To put a player out there that’s hurting or injured still, that’s not to the benefit of the player or our team.”

O’Connell, 26, has played in four games this season, starting two (both losses). He is 52 of 82 (63.4 percent) for 455 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

As a rookie last season, O’Connell started 10 of 11 games, going 5-5, and completed 213 of 343 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,218 yards, 12 TDs and seven interceptions.

The Raiders selected O’Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Obviously at the quarterback position, you’ve got to be smart,” Pierce said. “I think with Aidan, his future’s much brighter looking ahead. … I’ll have to really rely on our doctors and medical staff.”

Desmond Ridder replaced Minshew and went 5 of 10 for 64 yards. Ridder, 25, has appeared in three games this season for Las Vegas and is 16 of 26 (61.5 percent) for 138 yards and one TD.

Ridder played the previous two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. For his career, he is 338 of 529 (63.9 percent) for 3,682 yards, 15 TDs and 12 interceptions in 22 games (17 starts, 8-9 record).

Minshew, 28, completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Broncos. He finished his first season with the Raiders with 2,013 yards, nine TDs and 10 picks on 66.3 percent passing.

He joined the Raiders in free agency after stints in Jacksonville (2019-20), Philadelphia (2021-22) and Indianapolis (2023) and won the starting job in camp. But he was benched multiple times for O’Connell as the Raiders struggled as a team.

–Field Level Media

Aug 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder (19) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Raiders add QB Desmond Ridder, place Aidan O’Connell (thumb) on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Desmond Ridder off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on Tuesday and placed quarterback Aidan O’Connell (fractured thumb) on injured reserve.

In other moves, the Raiders signed wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. and tight end Trevon Wesco from the practice squad, and they cut defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera.

The Cardinals had acquired Ridder, 25, in a March 14 trade with the Atlanta Falcons for wide receiver Rondale Moore.

The Falcons selected Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the hopes he could replace Matt Ryan as the franchise quarterback. But in two seasons, he owned an 8-9 record in 17 starts (19 games) and completed 64.0 percent of his passes for 3,544 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed 69 times for 257 yards and five TDs.

Ridder had an up-and-down season in 2023, being replaced as the starter twice by Taylor Heinicke, only to return when Heinicke suffered injuries to a hamstring and ankle.

O’Connell, 26, was injured in Sunday’s 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He was named QB1 on Oct. 9, supplanting Gardner Minshew II, who won the job in the preseason.

Rams safety Kamren Curl, who was blitzing on a pass attempt in the first quarter, hit O’Connell on his throwing hand. O’Connell was replaced by Minshew to begin a Raiders drive with 2:33 remaining in the period.

O’Connell was 6-of-10 passing for 52 yards before exiting against the Rams. A fourth-round draft pick in 2023, O’Connell has completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 2,673 yards, 14 TDs and nine picks in 15 career games (12 starts) from 2023-24.

The Raiders (2-5) play host to the Kansas City Chiefs (6-0) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reports: Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell (thumb) headed for IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders Aidan O’Connell, who had only recently ascended to starting quarterback, is headed to injured reserve with a fractured right thumb, ESPN and NFL Network reported Monday.

He’s expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with a chance to return this season. ESPN reported O’Connell will get a second opinion on Monday. He was injured in Sunday’s 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

O’Connell was named QB1 on Oct. 9, supplanting Gardner Minshew II, who won the job in the preseason.

O’Connell’s throwing hand was hit by Rams safety Kamren Curl, who was blitzing on a pass attempt in the first quarter. O’Connell was replaced by Minshew to begin a Raiders drive with 2:33 remaining in the period.

O’Connell was 6-of-10 passing for 52 yards in the early going against the Rams. He took over the starting spot from Minshew in Week 6 and entered after completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 403 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games (one start).

Minshew, 28, started the first five games, completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 1,014 yards, four TDs and five interceptions.

The Raiders (2-5) host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) throws a pass during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell (thumb) exits game vs. Rams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell departed Sunday’s road game against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter with a right thumb injury.

O’Connell’s throwing hand was hit by Rams safety Kamren Curl, who was blitzing on a pass attempt in the first quarter. O’Connell was replaced by Gardner Minshew II to begin a Raiders drive with 2:33 remaining in the period.

O’Connell, 26, was listed as questionable to return.

On his first drive in a scoreless game, Minshew took the Raiders 56 yards on nine plays before Daniel Carlson made a 38-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead early in the second quarter.

O’Connell was 6-of-10 passing for 52 yards in the early going against the Rams. He took over the starting spot from Minshew in Week 6 and entered after completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 403 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games (one start).

Minshew, 28, who won the starting job in the preseason, started the first five games when he completed 70.7 percent of his passes for 1,014 yards, four TDs and five interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Raiders make change, name Aidan O’Connell starting QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders named second-year player Aidan O’Connell their starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

O’Connell replaces Gardner Minshew, who started the first five games. The Raiders (2-3) benched Minshew mid-game last week, calling on O’Connell in the 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos.

“It was a quarterback battle early on. (Minshew) started five games, and at this point, I think it’s best to go with Aidan going forward,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Wednesday.

Minshew tossed two interceptions against the Broncos — including a 100-yard pick-six — and has five on the season against four touchdown passes. He’s completing 70.1 percent of his passes for 1,014 yards.

O’Connell was 10-for-20 with 94 yards and an INT against the Broncos.

O’Connell, 26, started 10 games for the Raiders last season as a rookie, passing for 2,218 yards and 12 TDs against seven interceptions. He went 5-5. He threw for 9,219 yards and 65 TDs in four seasons at Purdue before the Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft.

Minshew, 28, signed a two-year contract worth $25 million — including $15 million guaranteed — with the Raiders in March. Pierce said Minshew handled the news “like a pro.”

–Field Level Media

Aug 17, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) looks to make a pass Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders tab Gardner Minshew as starting QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew will be under center to start the team’s season opener against the host Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 8, head coach Antonio Pierce announced Sunday.

Minshew got the nod over Aidan O’Connell, who started 10 games during his rookie season in 2023.

Pierce credited Minshew’s experience — among other things — as the reason that he was named the starting quarterback for the start of the 2024 season.

“Experience. The operation, the processing. Everything we saw in practice, some of it showed up in the games,” Pierce said. “Lot of stuff he can get better at; I don’t think anything here is a finished product. Based off where we want to go in the first quarter of the season, we feel like Gardner gives us the best opportunity.”

Minshew, 28, was signed in the offseason as a free agent after spending last season with the Indianapolis Colts. He passed for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 17 games (13 starts) and was a Pro Bowler for the first time.

But with the Colts committed to Anthony Richardson as their long-term option at quarterback, Minshew departed and chose the Raiders as his best option to get on the field in 2024.

O’Connell, 25, completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games last season after being a fourth-round pick out of Purdue. He was 5-5 in his 10 starts.

He was especially good late in the season, firing eight touchdown passes against no interceptions over the final four games.

–Field Level Media