Raiders Quarterback Aidan O’Connell Sidelined with Broken Thumb
The Las Vegas Raiders have been dealt a significant blow with the news that quarterback Aidan O’Connell will miss four to six weeks with a broken thumb on his right hand. The injury occurred during Sunday’s 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and O’Connell will undergo further tests to determine the extent of the damage.
A Tough Break for O’Connell
O’Connell, who was making his second start of the season, suffered the injury on the Raiders’ second offensive series of the day. He attempted a deep pass to the right side and was hit on his follow-through by Rams safety Kamren Curl. Despite trying to tough it out, O’Connell was eventually forced to leave the game.
“I threw it, and it didn’t feel great,” O’Connell said. “I tried to tough it out but, yeah, it does not feel great.”
Minshew Returns to the Fold
With O’Connell sidelined, the Raiders turned to Gardner Minshew, who was benched in favor of O’Connell last week. Minshew completed 15 of 34 passes for 154 yards, but was also responsible for four turnovers, including three interceptions and a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
A Frustrating Day for Minshew
Minshew has struggled with turnovers this season, throwing eight interceptions and fumbling three times, losing two of them. His 10 turnovers are tied for the NFL lead with Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis.
“I’ve never turned a ball over like this in my life,” Minshew said. “It is very frustrating. So, just got to keep looking at it, keep studying, keep training, [have] good habits and we’re going to find our way out of this.”
What’s Next for the Raiders?
The Raiders will need to find a way to move forward without O’Connell, who was starting to show promise as the team’s quarterback. With Minshew struggling with turnovers, the team may need to look elsewhere for a solution. The only other quarterback under contract with the Raiders is undrafted rookie Carter Bradley, who is on the practice squad and has yet to make his NFL debut.
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