APRIL 18 • KANSASCITY.COM
AIDAN O'CONNELL
1612 YDS •
8 TD •
4 INT
1612 YDS
8 TD
4 INT
Raiders Predicted to Trade Aidan O'Connell During NFL Draft, Replace Him With CFP QB Las Vegas is expected to move on from Aidan O’Connell in favor of a rookie QB.
Stuck in backup role again The Raiders recently traded for Geno Smith, leaving O'Connell as the likely No. 2 quarterback for 2015.
Impact 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 without any chance to push Smith for the starting role.
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Throws momentum-changing pick 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.
Impact 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 for a touchdown, shifting the momentum in the game and seemingly taking the Raiders out of any offensive rhythm. Las Vegas struggled to settle on a starting quarterback throughout the season, but the team is likely to look for an upgrade at the position this offseason, potentially shifting O'Connell down the depth chart.
JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE
Tosses two TDs in win O'Connell completed 20 of 35 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 25-10 win over the Saints.
Impact The second-year QB hit Jakobi Meyers for a three-yard score in the second quarter that put the Raiders in the lead for good, then capped his day with an 18-yard TD to Tre Tucker in the fourth. O'Connell is having a decent finish to the season, accounting for five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) in his last four appearances against only one INT, but Las Vegas is still almost certain to look for an upgrade in the offseason. O'Connell will try to wrap up the campaign in style in Week 18 against the Chargers.
DECEMBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Manages Raiders to victory 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.
Impact 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 and in turn helping the offense.
DECEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
No Week 16 injury designation O'Connell (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing fully this week.
Impact 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.
DECEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Back from knee injury O'Connell (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Guteirrez of ESPN.com reports.
Impact O'Connell's ability to practice without limitations suggests he'll be healthy enough to suit up for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, barring a setback. His return under center is welcome news for top 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.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Back from knee injury O'Connell (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Guteirrez of ESPN.com reports.
Impact O'Connell's ability to practice without limitations suggests he'll be healthy enough to suit up for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, barring a setback. His return under center is welcome news for top 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.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Returns to practice O'Connell (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, Kevin Bollinger of FOX 5 Vegas reports.
Impact Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Tuesday that O'Connell is trending toward playing in Sunday's game against Jacksonville, after missing a 16-10 loss to the Falcons on Monday. O'Connell didn't practice at all last week but was available as the emergency No. 3 QB Monday night, behind starter Desmond Ridder and Carter Bradley.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Returns to practice O'Connell (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, Kevin Bollinger of FOX 5 Vegas reports.
Impact Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Tuesday that O'Connell is trending toward playing in Sunday's game against Jacksonville, after missing a 16-10 loss to the Falcons on Monday. O'Connell didn't practice at all last week but was available as the emergency No. 3 QB Monday night, behind starter Desmond Ridder and Carter Bradley.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Trending toward Week 16 return Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said Tuesday that O'Connell (knee) is "trending upwards to play" Sunday against Jacksonville, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.
Impact O'Connell was inactive for Monday night's loss to the Falcons, but he was cleared to operate as Las Vegas' emergency third quarterback. Desmond Ridder struggled in his spot start versus Atlanta, throwing for 208 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the 15-9 loss. A return to the lineup on O'Connell's part could help spark things on offense for the Raiders, which would be especially notable for rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who was limited to three catches for 35 yards (on six targets) with Ridder under center Monday.
DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Inactive, but emergency third QB O'Connell (knee) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Falcons, but he's available as the Raiders' emergency third quarterback behind Desmond Ridder and Carter Bradley.
Impact O'Connell was deemed a non-participant in practice Thursday through Saturday and approached the contest listed as questionable, but the bone bruise to his left knee that he sustained during Week 14 action will end up sidelining the QB on Monday. In O'Connell's place, Ridder is in line to make his first start for the Raiders, while O'Connell will target a potential return to action this coming Sunday versus the Jaguars.
DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Looks like game-time decision O'Connell (knee) will decide during pregame warmups Monday whether he'll play versus the Falcons, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Impact O'Connell didn't practice at all during the week due to a knee issue he picked up in Week 14 at Tampa Bay, so Las Vegas is preparing as though 2022 third-rounder Desmond Ridder will start at quarterback in Week 15. Whoever steps under center for the Raiders on Monday will be looking at an Atlanta defense that's been less than impressive so far this season, especially against the pass.
DECEMBER 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
No practice, still questionable O'Connell (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Falcons, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Impact O'Connell didn't practice all week, but the Raiders are evidently giving the second-year quarterback every avenue possible to return Monday from an injury, later discovered to be a bone bruise, that was so serious it required an MRI earlier in the week. In the event O'Connell can't play, Las Vegas would likely turn to Desmond Ridder against his former team. Expect more clarification regarding O'Connell's status to come before the 8:30 p.m. ET kickoff Monday.
DECEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Not practicing Friday Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said Friday that O'Connell (knee) is not participating in practice, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.
Impact O'Connell has now missed back-to-back practice sessions since having participated in Wednesday's walkthrough. The second-year quarterback is nursing a bone bruise to his left knee sustained during Las Vegas' loss to Tampa Bay in Week 14. His final chance to get back on the practice field prior to Monday's game against the Falcons will come Saturday. Desmond Ridder will enter the Raiders' starting lineup versus Atlanta in the event that O'Connell can't suit up.
DECEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Doesn't practice Thursday O'Connell (knee) didn't practice Thursday.
Impact O'Connell, who suffered a bone bruise to his left knee late in the third quarter of the Raiders' loss to the Buccaneers this past Sunday, thus has two more opportunities to practice ahead of Monday night's game against the Falcons. If he's unavailable for the contest, however, Desmond Ridder would be in line to draw the Week 15 start at QB for Las Vegas.
DECEMBER 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Monday status TBD Head coach Antonio Pierce noted that O'Connell (knee) is in line to participate in Wednesday's walk-through, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Impact When asked whether O'Connell will start Monday night against the Falcons, Pierce said it depends on how the QB looks at practice this week. If O'Connell isn't available for Week 15 action, however, Desmond Ridder would be in line to start in his place.
DECEMBER 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Not yet ruled out for Week 15 O'Connell has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee following an MRI undergone Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Impact O'Connell was forced out of Sunday's 28-13 loss to the Buccaneers with an air cast on his left leg, and he had to be carted off the field. All things considered, being diagnosed with only a bone bruise is a near best-case scenario for the second-year quarterback. Head coach Antonio Pierce said Monday he expects Desmond Ridder to start versus Atlanta on Monday Night Football, but it looks like O'Connell could still have a chance to start Week 15 if he can log a good week of practice.
DECEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Coach pessimistic with MRI upcoming Coach Antonio Pierce said after Sunday's 28-13 loss to the Buccaneers that O'Connell's knee injury "doesn't look good," per Vic Tafur of The Athletic, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Netwo...
Impact O'Connell needed an immediate air cast on his leg after getting hurt against the Buccaneers and was carted off the field. While official word on the severity of the injury won't come until after the results of Monday's MRI, it's likely that O'Connell's injury will keep him from suiting up for the Raiders' remaining four games, which would thrust Desmond Ridder into a starting role.
DECEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Hurts knee Sunday O'Connell was forced out of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a knee injury.
Impact Per Tashan Reed of The Athletic, O'Connell's left leg was placed in an air cast prior to him being carted off the field Sunday. With O'Connell having suffered a potentially serious injury, Desmond Ridder is in line to take over at QB for the Raiders versus Tampa Bay.
DECEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Good to go against Bucs O'Connell (illness) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Impact O'Connell missed practice Thursday but returned to full participation and is good to go for Sunday's game. He'll face a Buccaneers defense that's allowing the third-most passing yards per game in the NFL, but it remains to be seen if O'Connell will be joined by wide receiver Jakobi Meyers or running back Alexander Mattison, who are both listed as questionable due to ankle injuries.
DECEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Resumes practicing in full Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said Friday that O'Connell (illness) will be a full participant in practice, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Impact O'Connell missed practice Thursday due to an illness, but he's now back on full track for Sunday's road matchup against the Buccaneers. Pierce said the same is true of No. 1 wideout Jakobi Meyers, who sat out Thursday due to an ankle issue. It will be to the notable benefit of O'Connell -- who completed 23 of 35 passes for 340 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions during last week's 19-17 loss to the Chiefs -- to have Meyers and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, his two top targets, both healthy versus Tampa Bay.
DECEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
