Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Thu 3/13/25 2:52 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
The Raiders recently traded for Geno Smith, leaving O'Connell as the likely No. 2 quarterback for 2025.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Sun 1/5/25 10:12 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
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.
EDGE Analysis
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. 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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Sun 12/29/24 10:24 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
O'Connell completed 20 of 35 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 25-10 win over the Saints.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Sun 12/22/24 11:51 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
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.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Fri 12/20/24 5:06 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
O'Connell (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing fully this week.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Wed 12/18/24 4:54 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
O'Connell (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Guteirrez of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Wed 12/18/24 2:51 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
O'Connell (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, Kevin Bollinger of Fox 5 Las Vegas reports.
EDGE Analysis
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said Tuesday that O'Connell is trending toward playing in Sunday's game against Jacksonville, after the quarterback sat out a 15-9 loss to the Falcons on Monday. O'Connell didn't practice at all last week but was available as the emergency No. 3 quarterback in Monday's loss, with Desmond Ridder drawing the start and Carter Bradley serving as the top backup.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Tue 12/17/24 2:12 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
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.
EDGE Analysis
O'Connell was inactive for Monday'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. A return to the lineup on O'Connell's part could provide a spark to the Las Vegas offense, 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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Mon 12/16/24 7:04 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
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.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Aidan O'Connell QB LV (10) Mon 12/16/24 1:19 PM
Aidan O'Connell
QB LV (10)
O'Connell (knee) will use a pregame workout Monday to determine whether he'll play versus the Falcons, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
O'Connell didn't practice at all during the week due to a knee issue he picked up Week 14 at Tampa Bay, so Las Vegas is preparing as though 2022 third-rounder Desmond Ridder will start at quarterback 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.