What happened to Aidan O'Connell? Raiders place QB1 on Injured Reserve after Week 7 loss to Rams
After making his second start of the season for the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Aidan O'Connell will now be sidelined for a while.
In yesterday's 33-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, O'Connell injured his hand while attempting a pass and hitting the helmet of Rams defender Kam Curl. He left the game and went to the locker room and didn't return after suffering the injury in the first quarter.
This morning, the Raiders got some not-so-positive news about O'Connell's injury. Tests showed that he broke his thumb and is getting a second opinion to confirm the injury. As a result, the Raiders placed him on injured reserve, sidelining him for, at least, the next four-to-six weeks.
ESPN NFL reporter Adam Scehfter broke the news as he posted on X:
"Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell now is expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken thumb, per sources. He is getting a second opinion today to confirm the initial diagnosis."
O'Connell began the season as the Raiders' backup quarterback to Gardner Minshew. After a 2-3 start to the season, the Raiders benched Minshew in favor of O'Connell.
In his first start against the Steelers, he completed 27-of-40 passes for 227 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Before leaving Sunday's game against the Rams, O'Connell completed 6-of-10 passes for 52 yards.
For the 2024 season, he has completed 52-of-82 passes for 455 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Las Vegas Raiders will look back to Gardner Minshew after Aidan O'Connell's injury
With Aidan O'Connell headed to injured reserve, Gardner Minshew will once again be the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. After being benched last week for O'Connell, the veteran will get another opportunity to start for Las Vegas.
Yesterday's game against the Los Angeles Rams was the worst performance from Minshew this season. He threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, bringing his interception total to eight this season.
Minshew hasn't been playing his best football, as he has 1,168 yards, four touchdowns and eight interceptions in six games played this season.
Minshew has helped the Raiders earn wins over the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns this season. His best performance this campaign came against the Ravens where he completed 30-of-38 passes for 276 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Raiders will now have Minshew for at least the next four weeks as their starter with Aidan O'Connell out.