Tag: Minshew

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 activate Aidan O’Connell, place Gardner Minshew on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders activated Aidan O’Connell from injured reserve Thursday and placed fellow quarterback Gardner Minshew and cornerback Jakorian Bennett on IR.

The Raiders also signed wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. and activated running back Sincere McCormick and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly.

O’Connell had been sidelined since injuring his thumb in Las Vegas’ 20-15 setback to the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 20. He will start for the Raiders (2-9) on Friday when they face Patrick Mahomes and the host Kansas City Chiefs (10-1).

The Raiders lost starter 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.

Bennett, 24, has 26 tackles in 10 games (seven starts) this season.

Marshall, 24, has played in one game with Las Vegas this season. He has 64 catches for 767 yards and one touchdown in 37 games (16 starts) with the Carolina Panthers.

McCormick, 24, has rushed five times for 33 yards in two games this season.

Kelly, 23, has five tackles in nine career games with four teams.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) warms up on the sidelines during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Raiders ride with QB Gardner Minshew despite offensive changes

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Luke Getsy is gone and Scott and Norv Turner arrived during the Las Vegas Raiders’ bye week as part of head coach Antonio Pierce’s attempt to repair a broken offense.

But Pierce said Wednesday that he and the Turners agree quarterback Gardner Minshew remains the starter as the Raiders (2-7) return to the field and prepare to visit the Miami Dolphins (4-6) on Sunday.

“When we brought in Gardner, we expected, obviously, the player we’d seen in the past,” Pierce said Wednesday. “At some point, you’ve got to give the guy confidence. There have been times with turnovers and other things that have taken place we made a decision to put him on the bench and go with another quarterback. This week I feel like Gardner gives us the best opportunity to move forward. He has every opportunity to go out there and help us.”

Pierce said he consulted his new offensive coaching staff and reminded Minshew “everybody around him” believes he can get the job done, and that he just needs to “cut it loose.”

Scott Turner is expected to call plays this week for the Raiders, who are tied with the Tennessee Titans for the AFC’s worst scoring margin at minus-83 points. Norv Turner joined the staff as a senior adviser.

Minshew, 28, has six touchdowns, eight interceptions and five lost fumbles in eight games (seven starts) this year.

A bye week provided a break for the new offensive staff to convene and paused a five-game losing streak.

Las Vegas is coming off a 41-24 loss at Cincinnati in Week 9. Minshew started and completed only 10 passes for 124 yards before the Raiders turned to Desmond Ridder late in the third quarter. Ridder completed 11 of 16 passes for 74 yards with a touchdown to rookie tight end Brock Bowers and was also sacked four times.

“What do we have to lose at this point?” Pierce asked rhetorically Wednesday. “We’re 2-7. Everything that’s behind us is behind us.”

–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

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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

Sep 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Reports: Gardner Minshew to remain Raiders’ QB1

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The Las Vegas Raiders will not replace starting quarterback Gardner Minshew with Aidan O’Connell, NFL Network reported.

ESPN reported Tuesday that “nothing was ever pondered” regarding a possible QB change for Sunday’s home game against the Cleveland Browns.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce on Monday wouldn’t commit to Minshew remaining the starter in the wake of Sunday’s 36-22 home loss to the Carolina Panthers.

“I don’t think it was the team. I think there was definitely some individuals that made business decisions,” Pierce said Monday, “and we’ll make business decisions going forward as well.”

Minshew completed 18 of 28 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and one interception before O’Connell took over. O’Connell, who started 10 games for the Raiders last season, went 9-of-12 passing for 82 yards and a TD. He led the team on a 13-play, 70-yard scoring drive.

In the first year of a two-year contract with $15 million guaranteed, Minshew has completed 73.7 percent of his passes for 747 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions for the 1-2 Raiders.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce walks the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Raiders’ Pierce stands by ‘business decision’ comment; QB change possible

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On Monday, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce did not back away from comments he made about certain unnamed members of his team following Sunday’s 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Upset with the Raiders’ showing against the previously winless Panthers, Pierce was asked how concerned he was about his team’s effort in a game Las Vegas trailed by as many as 26 points.

“I don’t think it was the team. I think there was definitely some individuals that made business decisions,” Pierce said, “and we’ll make business decisions going forward as well.”

Come Monday’s day-after press conference, Pierce was asked about that particular remark and doubled down, saying, “I don’t bite my tongue.”

It tracked for the straight-talking 45-year-old, a former NFL linebacker selected to the 2006 Pro Bowl. Players gave Pierce a ringing endorsement for the Raiders’ head-coaching position after he guided them to a 5-4 finish as the interim coach following the midseason firing of Josh McDaniels in 2023.

Pierce told reporters he would address the team later on Monday and be “very direct.”

“Because it is what it is,” Pierce said, “and that’s what we’re gonna do, call a spade a spade.”

So far, the Raiders’ “business decisions” have not included a change at QB1.

Pierce didn’t rule out benching Gardner Minshew for Aidan O’Connell, merely saying he had to “get with the players and evaluate everything from (Sunday) first.”

Minshew completed 18 of 28 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and one interception before O’Connell took over. O’Connell, who started 10 games for the Raiders last season, went 9-of-12 passing for 82 yards and a touchdown.

The Raiders’ issues appeared to be far deeper than the signal-caller. The offense gained just 55 rushing yards on 16 attempts, and the defense was gashed by Andy Dalton in his first start for the Panthers following Bryce Young’s benching.

“The effort wasn’t up to par as it had been in the previous games, and that showed up,” Pierce said. “That didn’t look good at the end of the game.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) passes the ball in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Aidan O’Connell is early leader in Raiders’ QB competition

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Aidan O’Connell started 10 games as a rookie for the Las Vegas Raiders and has shown further progression in the offseason.

So despite the addition of veteran Gardner Minshew, O’Connell is the early leader in the club’s quarterback battle.

“Aidan’s earned the right to go out there and earn the first snap,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Friday. “What he’s done this offseason — changing his body, his work ethic, being here every day, blocking out the outside noise. He’s not worried about anything. I’m excited.

“Then you bring Gardner in here … talk about personality. … It’s great. It’s great for our building. It’s great for our quarterback room. And if you got competition in the quarterback room, what does every other room look at?”

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.

Minshew, who turns 28 next Thursday, 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.

Las Vegas general manager Tom Telesco says his team has two good options at quarterback competing for the job.

“That’s the plan is to have both those guys really compete through the offseason program, but more so in training camp, and we’ll see how it plays out,” Telesco said.

“I thought Aidan did an excellent job last year in a really difficult situation where the head coach changed, the (offensive) coordinator changed and he played really good football down the stretch. I’ve had a chance to be around him a little bit more in the building and you kind of see the quarterback intangibles that are there, which is nice to have, that you have to have as a franchise quarterback.

“And then with Gardner, you know, Gardner played well last year with the Colts. I mean, he was in the Pro Bowl, so obviously had a pretty good year. He’s always performed at a high level when he’s given that opportunity, so to have both those guys here competing for the job, we’ll see how it goes.”

Pierce is in his first full season as Raiders coach after replacing the fired Josh McDaniels at midseason and guiding Las Vegas to a 5-4 record over the final nine games. And he likes what he sees, while understanding that the season is still four months away.

“What I see is guys getting out there early,” Pierce said. “Aidan is already kind of taking the bull by the horn and he’s leading the way, and Minshew’s right there doing it as well.

“Two guys that played against each other last year, they went neck to neck. But I’m really excited to see what happens. I think it’s going to be a process. We’re going to stick to the process.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) sits on the field with a shoulder injury during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Jim Irsay says Anthony Richardson ‘probably’ done for season

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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is “probably” going to miss the remainder of the regular season due to an injury to his throwing shoulder, according to ESPN on Monday.

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

The Colts have yet to determine whether the 21-year-old will undergo surgery. He was placed on injured reserve last week.

“The most likelihood is he’s probably going to be gone for the year,” Irsay said. “I mean, it’s not definite but (he) probably misses this year and we’re going to have to contend with that factor.”

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.

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

Oct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Anthony Richardson to IR, out four games

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The Indianapolis Colts placed Anthony Richardson on injured reserve Wednesday, a move that will have the rookie quarterback missing at least the next four games.

Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, sustained a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in the second quarter of Sunday’s 23-16 win against the Tennessee Titans.

Richardson has completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in four starts. He has also rushed 25 times for 136 yards and four scores.

Gardner Minshew will be under center Sunday when the Colts (3-2) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2). The earliest Richardson can return is the Week 10 game at New England on Nov. 12.

The Colts made several other moves Wednesday, including signing guard Ike Boettger to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.

Indianapolis also signed wide receiver Anthony Miller and quarterback Kellen Mond to the practice squad and released wideout Juwann Winfree from the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) speaks with media Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, after fellow quarterback Anthony Richardson was named the starter.

Colts QB Gardner Minshew in line to start vs. Ravens

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew is in line to start this weekend after rookie Anthony Richardson sat out practice for the third consecutive day on Friday due to a concussion.

Minshew likely will be under center for the Colts (1-1) on Sunday against the host Baltimore Ravens (2-0).

Also on Friday, three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly did not participate in practice.

Minshew, 27, relieved Richardson in Indianapolis’ 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans last Sunday and completed 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards. He also tossed a touchdown pass to tight end Kylen Granson.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, 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. He was assisted to the sideline in the final minute of the game after trying to run the ball in for a score in a 31-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10.

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

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) tries to tackle Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) as he rushes in a touchdown Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Anthony Richardson in concussion protocol, not practicing

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Quarterback Anthony Richardson remains in concussion protocol and unavailable to practice as the Indianapolis Colts prep for a Week 3 trip to Baltimore.

Gardner Minshew relieved Richardson on Sunday and guided the Colts to a 31-20 win, completing 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown toss to tight end Kylen Granson.

Coach Shane Steichen said Richardson is “in a good spot,” but plans to keep their communication private. Steichen said it’s possible the rookie can progress enough to be ready to play the Ravens on Sunday.

Starting center Ryan Kelly also missed Wednesday’s practice and is in concussion protocol.

Richardson was forced out of the game 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 Jaguars.

Steichen shut down inquires about running back Jonathan Taylor, who is on the physically unable to perform list and hasn’t been with the team on gameday. Steichen said he wasn’t going to answer additional questions about Taylor, including whether he would be on the sideline with his teammates in Baltimore.

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