Calamity struck the Las Vegas Raiders early in their Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, as starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand. The injury occurred in the first quarter when O’Connell’s hand collided with the outstretched arm of Rams safety Kam Curl during a deep pass attempt.
According to a source close to the situation, O’Connell will undergo further tests on Monday to determine the severity of the break and establish a timeline for his return. The 24-year-old signal-caller, who won the starting job over veteran Gardner Minshew after a tight training camp battle, had completed 6 of 10 passes for 52 yards before exiting the game.
Minshew Steps In, But Questions Remain
With O’Connell sidelined, the Raiders turned to Minshew, who signed a two-year, $15 million contract this offseason. The 27-year-old journeyman, known for his signature mustache and easygoing personality, has had an up-and-down season thus far. Despite completing a career-high 70.7% of his passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, Minshew has also thrown five interceptions, including a costly 100-yard pick-six against the Denver Broncos in Week 5 that turned a potential 17-3 Raiders lead into a 10-10 tie in an eventual 34-18 loss.
In relief of O’Connell against the Rams, Minshew struggled to find a rhythm, going 8-of-16 for 90 yards with an interception and a lost fumble that was returned for a touchdown. The Raiders’ lack of a viable third-string quarterback on the roster – wide receiver Jakobi Meyers had been tabbed for emergency duty but missed his second straight game with an ankle injury – meant that O’Connell, his thumb heavily wrapped, remained questionable to return in case Minshew was knocked out of the game.
A Quarterback Controversy Brewing?
The injury to O’Connell and Minshew’s shaky performance could reignite the quarterback controversy that simmered throughout training camp and the preseason. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels had seemingly put the issue to rest by naming O’Connell the starter after the second-year pro outplayed Minshew in practice and exhibition games, but the thumb injury and Minshew’s struggles have muddied the waters once again.
It’s a tough situation for any team to be in, losing your starting quarterback to an injury like that. But that’s why you have a backup, and why there’s always competition in camp. Gardner knows this offense, he’s a veteran, and he’s going to have to step up and lead this team until Aidan is ready to come back.
– A source close to the Raiders organization
The Raiders, who entered the game with a 3-3 record and designs on a playoff berth, will now have to navigate the uncertainty at the game’s most important position as they prepare for a daunting stretch of their schedule. After facing the Rams, Las Vegas will host the 5-1 New York Jets and their fearsome defense in Week 8 before embarking on a three-game road trip against the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs – three bitter AFC West rivals with playoff aspirations of their own.
Silver and Black Lining
Despite the gloom and doom that accompanies any significant quarterback injury, the Raiders remain cautiously optimistic about their prospects moving forward. The team’s offense, while inconsistent at times, is loaded with playmakers like wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller, all of whom are capable of making life easier for whichever quarterback is under center.
Additionally, Las Vegas boasts one of the league’s most improved defenses, a unit that ranks in the top 10 in both yards and points allowed through the first six weeks of the season. If the defense can continue to keep games close and create turnovers, it could take some of the pressure off Minshew or a recovering O’Connell as the Raiders navigate this unexpected obstacle in their quest for a return to the postseason.
For now, all eyes will be on O’Connell’s MRI results and the progress of his recovery, as well as Minshew’s ability to rise to the occasion and keep the Raiders’ playoff hopes alive. In a season that has already seen its fair share of twists and turns, this latest development is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the Silver and Black look to prove their mettle in the face of adversity.
