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• Raiders' Aidan O'Connell: Stuck in backup role again

  6D ago • By RotoWire

  The Raiders recently traded for Geno Smith, leaving O'Connell as the likely No. 2 quarterback for 2025. O'Connell got a chance to compete for the starting job last summer, losing out to Gardner Minshew (collarbone) but then taking over mid-season. Minshew ended up taking the job back after O'Connell suffered a thumb fracture, with things later swinging back to the latter after the former broke his collarbone. The team released Minshew on Wednesday, leaving O'Connell in the clear for the second spot on the depth chart, albeit presumably without any chance to push Smith for the starting role.

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• Raiders' Aidan O'Connell: Throws momentum-changing pick

  01/06/2025 • By RotoWire

  O'Connell completed 24 of 34 passes for 214 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Chargers. He added four rushes for 13 yards. O'Connell had effective moments early in the contest, particularly on a drive early in the second quarter during which he threw for 47 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown strike to Jakobi Meyers. However, he threw an interception just before halftime that resulted in the Chargers cashing in a touchdown, shifting the momentum in the game and seemingly taking the Raiders out of any offensive rhythm. O'Connell was also shaken up on a play during the came and backup Desmond Ridder came in for a short spell and ended up throwing two passes before O'Connell returned. Las Vegas struggled to settle on a starting quarterback throughout the season, and the team is likely to look for an upgrade at the position this offseason, potentially shifting O'Connell down the depth chart.

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• Raiders' Aidan O'Connell: Manages Raiders to victory

  12/23/2024 • By RotoWire

  O'Connell completed 24 of 38 passes for 257 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Sunday's 19-14 win over the Jaguars. He added seven rushes for 12 yards. O'Connell returned from a one-game absence and stabilized the Raiders' offense by not turning the ball over and taking only two sacks. He also completed three passes of at least 20 yards, two of which came in the first quarter. O'Connell has now thrown for multiple touchdowns in only one of his four starts on the season, but he has shown the ability to get the ball to the Raiders' top playmakers at a consistent clip.

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• Raiders' Aidan O'Connell: No Week 16 injury designation

  12/20/2024 • By RotoWire

  O'Connell (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing fully this week. Per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, head coach Antonio Pierce noted earlier Friday that O'Connell "should be good to go" and start Sunday versus Jacksonville. With the QB subsequently maintaining his full participation level and avoiding a Week 16 injury designation, O'Connell is poised to return the lineup after being inactive for this past Monday's loss to the Falcons, a game started by Desmond Ridder.

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• Raiders' Aidan O'Connell: Back from knee injury

  12/18/2024 • By RotoWire

  O'Connell (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Guteirrez of ESPN.com reports. O'Connell's ability to practice without limitations suggests he'll be healthy enough to start in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, barring a setback. His return under center is welcome news for Raiders pass catchers Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, who combined for only 94 receiving yards in Desmond Ridder's spot start during Monday's 15-9 loss to the Falcons.

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