O'Connell is expected to start Sunday's matchup against the Chargers with Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion) ruled out, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

In somewhat of a surprise, O'Connell, a rookie fourth-round pick out of Purdue is set to get the starting nod over an established veteran with ample NFL experience in Brian Hoyer, who had been active as Garoppolo's top backup through the first three games of the season. Though he'll be making his regular-season debut Sunday, O'Connell was one of the top-performing quarterbacks in the preseason, as he completed 43 of 62 pass attempts (69.3 percent) for 482 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Even so, O'Connell's presence under center rather than Garoppolo's still likely amounts to at least a slight downgrade to the fantasy prospects of receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. O'Connell will get a favorable matchup Sunday, taking on the Chargers' league-worst pass defense.

O'Connell (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, but he'll dress and serve as the Raiders' emergency quarterback.

EDGE Analysis

A rookie fourth-round pick, O'Connell shined during preseason action, but he's still behind veterans Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer on the depth chart. O'Connell doesn't count against the 53-man roster, but he's eligible to play if both Garoppolo and Hoyer are forced out of the contest.

O'Connell completed 17 of 26 passes for 178 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 31-16 preseason loss to the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

O'Connell played the first three quarters of the matchup and wrapped up the first preseason of his professional career. Overall, he completed 43 of 62 passes for 482 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions across three games. O'Connell may enter the season as the Raiders' third quarterback, but he should have a chance to pass Brian Hoyer at some point.

O'Connell completed 15 of 18 pass attempts for 141 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers in Sunday's 34-7 preseason win over San Francisco.

EDGE Analysis

O'Connell got the starting nod with the veterans atop Las Vegas' QB depth chart -- Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer -- sitting out this exhibition game. The fourth-round selection did not look like a rookie in a tough matchup, albeit against the 49ers' B-squad of defenders. The 25-year-old played four years at Purdue, so he has more seasoning than most rookie quarterbacks. O'Connell should get plenty of run in the Raiders' next preseason tilt against the Rams on Saturday.

The Raiders selected O'Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 135th overall.

EDGE Analysis

O'Connell (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) never showed obvious starting upside at Purdue but he's well time-tested after more or less serving as a four-year starter for the Boilermakers. O'Connell did a pretty good job of moving the ball, producing 9,219 yards while completing 66.7 percent of his passes at 7.4 yards per attempt, but the touchdown rate (5.3 percent) and interception rate (2.4 percent) were respectively too low and too high for a soon-to-be 25-year-old quarterback project as more than a backup in the NFL.