Not solely did the Las Vegas Raiders drop their seventh consecutive recreation on Sunday in opposition to the Denver Broncos, in addition they misplaced quarterback Gardner Minshew for the season as a consequence of a damaged collarbone. Fortunately Aidan O’Connell is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, however with the Raiders on a fast turnaround, having to play Friday in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, it was unclear whether or not or not he could be prepared.
The Raiders even have Desmond Ridder whom they signed when O’Connell initially acquired injured and who completed Sunday’s contest after Minshew went down. It will make sense that they’d need to get a have a look at Ridder underneath middle in some unspecified time in the future, nevertheless it appears like that gained’t be this week.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce introduced that the group will begin O’Connell on Friday in opposition to the Chiefs, including that he has been laser-focused since returning to the apply discipline, by way of Charean Williams of Professional Soccer Speak:
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce introduced Aidan O’Connell will begin at quarterback in opposition to the Chiefs on Black Friday.
“We be ok with Aidan. He’s been dialed in,” Pierce stated, by way of video from the group. “Clearly all through this time he’s been on IR, he’s been in all of the conferences; he’s been very encouraging on the sideline. He has that laser eye focus proper now. Nice alternative for him.”
Contemplating O’Connell was the starter for the Raiders when he suffered the fractured thumb that put him on injured reserve, it is sensible that Pierce is selecting to go together with him. Concern over the short turnaround is comprehensible, but when they really feel he’s good to go, and by all signifies that appears to be the case, then the selection is an apparent one.
O’Connell seemed strong for a lot of final yr, however hasn’t had a lot alternative to indicate his improvement this season. Making issues more durable is that the lone begin that he completed got here in opposition to probably the greatest defenses within the NFL within the Pittsburgh Steelers. And it doesn’t get any simpler because the Chiefs additionally boast one of many league’s hardest defenses.
Regardless, O’Connell does nonetheless maintain a victory over the Chiefs from final season and he shall be locked in to indicate he is usually a beginning quarterback on this league.
Daniel Jones removes Raiders from consideration in free company
The Raiders might doubtlessly have had another choice as they had been one of many groups fascinated about signing free agent quarterback Daniel Jones after he was launched by the New York Giants.
Nevertheless Jones would take away the Raiders from consideration as he most popular to affix a playoff contender, finally selecting to signal with the Minnesota Vikings.
