Tag: Gardner Minshew

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws the ball against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: Raiders to release QB Gardner Minshew

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Gardner Minshew was informed he will be released by the Las Vegas Raiders when the league year begins next week, NFL Network reported on Wednesday.

Minshew, 28, signed a two-year contract in last offseason and made nine starts in the 10 games in which he appeared last season. He completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 2,013 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions before a broken collarbone ended his season.

Minshew has $3.16 million in fully guaranteed money remaining on the two-year, $25 million contract he signed with Las Vegas last March. The Raiders will save $6.34 million against the salary cap by parting ways with Minshew.

The Raiders used Minshew and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell last season. New coach Pete Carroll is expected to seek a veteran signal-caller in free agency and the Raiders were active in meeting with quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class during the NFL Scouting Combine.

Minshew has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 11,950 yards with 68 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in 59 career games (46 starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Raiders. He was selected by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The Colts are in the market for a veteran to compete with Anthony Richardson, and reportedly have shown interest in chasing Daniel Jones in free agency. Minshew started most of the 2023 season following Richardson’s season-ending shoulder injury. He had 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023, then started nine games with the Raiders after joining Las Vegas in free agency.

–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

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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

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) heads for the locker room after sustaining an apparent injury during a play against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reports: Raiders QB Gardner Minshew breaks collarbone, out for year

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a broken collarbone on Sunday and is done for the season, NFL Network and The Athletic reported.

Minshew suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of Las Vegas’ 29-19 home loss to the Denver Broncos — the Raiders’ seventh straight defeat, dropping them to 2-9.

With Las Vegas still within a touchdown and roughly three minutes to play, Minshew was sacked by two Broncos defenders and landed on his left shoulder. He left the game, replaced by Desmond Ridder for the rest of the day.

Minshew completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He finishes his first season with the Raiders with 2,013 passing 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 Aidan O’Connell as the Raiders struggled as a team.

The Raiders have a short week coming up. They will visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday in the NFL’s second-ever Black Friday game.

–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

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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

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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

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) throws in the first quarter during a Week 14 NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Report: Raiders add QB Gardner Minshew on $25M deal

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The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to have a quarterback battle through training camp and into the exhibition season after Gardner Minshew II was signed to a two-year, $25 million deal with $15 million fully guaranteed, NFL Network reported Monday.

The Raiders also have another quarterback in the fold in Aidan O’Connell, who started 10 games as a rookie in 2023, and threw for 2,218 yards and 12 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 11 overall games. Las Vegas won five of O’Connell’s starts.

Minshew, 27, threw for 3,305 yards and 15 TDs with nine interceptions in 17 games (13 starts) for the Indianapolis Colts last season. He was playing for his third team in five seasons after also spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2019-20) and Philadelphia Eagles (2021-22).

In 49 career games (37 starts), Minshew has thrown for 9,937 yards, 59 TDs and 24 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) smiles while signing autographs before an NFL football matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Richardson is on injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury in week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Colts QB Anthony Richardson to have season-ending surgery

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Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, the team announced Wednesday.

Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 5 during the Colts’ 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 8. It was Richardson’s second injury of his young career; he sustained a concussion in Week 2.

“After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our team.

“We collected several medical opinions and we felt this was the best course of action for his long-term health. We anticipate a full recovery and there is no doubt Anthony has a promising future.”

Richardson, 21, was placed on injured reserve last week.

The Colts (3-3) lost 37-20 to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, with Gardner Minshew going 33-for-55 for 329 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions for Indianapolis. The Colts host the Cleveland Browns (3-2) this Sunday.

“I love the fight of this team and I’m excited for the opportunity we have ahead of us. It starts this week with Cleveland,” Irsay said.

Richardson, this year’s fourth overall pick in the draft, completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns and one interception over four starts to begin his career. He also picked up 136 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson a spectator at practice

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Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson did not participate in practice on Thursday, per multiple media outlets.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, assumed the role of a spectator for the session while he remains in concussion protocol.

Richardson exited the Colts’ 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans last Sunday in the first half. Backup Gardner Minshew relieved Richardson and completed 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown toss to tight end Kylen Granson.

Minshew is in line to start if Richardson isn’t available this Sunday against the host Baltimore Ravens (2-0).

Richardson was forced out of last Sunday’s contest for the second time in two career games when he absorbed a hard hit.

The Colts led the Texans 14-0 behind two Richardson TD runs when he left to be evaluated for a concussion. In Week 1, he was assisted to the sideline in the final minute of the game after trying to run the ball in for a score against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Richardson, 21, is 30-of-47 passing for 279 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also has 13 carries for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Gardner Minshew (10), Sam Ehlinger (4), and Anthony Richardson (5) stretch before the first day of training camp practice Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield, Indiana.

Colts list QB1 as Gardner Minshew ‘or’ Anthony Richardson

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The Indianapolis Colts aren’t ready to name a starting quarterback, and that was reflected on their first depth chart of the preseason on Wednesday.

The Colts tabbed “Gardner Minshew or Anthony Richardson” as their No. 1 quarterback, with Sam Ehlinger definitely listed as third string.

Teams listing two quarterbacks atop the depth chart may become a trend. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tabbed Baker Mayfield “or” Kyle Trask in the top spot of their depth chart on Tuesday.

Minshew, 27, has completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 6,632 yards, with 44 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 32 career games (24 starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2019-20) and Philadelphia Eagles (2021-22).

Richardson, 21, was selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson played in 24 games over three seasons at Florida.

He started 12 games in the 2022 season, posting a 6-6 record. He completed 176 passes for 2,549 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He ran 103 times for 654 yards with nine scores.

–Field Level Media