Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to broken thumb, per sources

The Las Vegas Raiders have suffered a significant setback at the quarterback position, as starting quarterback Aidan O'Connell is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks with a broken thumb. The injury, which occurred during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, is a major blow to the team's playoff hope.
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Although the Raiders have not issued an official statement, this injury was revealed under anonymity to AP. Fortunately for O'Connell, the injury's impact is less severe than initially feared due to its location on his throwing hand. A second medical opinion is expected to be sought by O’Connell to confirm the diagnosis.
During a press conference, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce addressed the situation but mentioned that no further updates regarding O'Connell's injury were available at that time. Despite the uncertainty, the team is already exploring replacement options. The Raiders have taken steps to shore up their quarterback position by signing Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad. Ridder, who is expected to compete with Gardner Minshew for the starting job, brings experience from last season, during which he played 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons.

Ridder's history in the league is worth noting. He passed for 2,836 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, though his 12 interceptions reflect areas of inconsistency. Drafted in the third round by the Falcons in 2022, Ridder built a strong collegiate career at Cincinnati, where he played alongside current Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker. Earlier this year, Ridder was traded to the Cardinals but will now have the chance to potentially lead the Raiders in O’Connell’s absence.
The Raiders have had a revolving door at quarterback this season. Gardner Minshew started the first five games but was replaced by O’Connell, who received his first start of the season against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. Unfortunately, O'Connell’s debut was cut short due to the thumb injury he sustained in the first quarter. Before being sidelined, he managed to complete 6 of 10 passes for 52 yards. ESPN Research noted that O'Connell was pressured on 50% of his dropbacks, completing only two of five passes for 19 yards when under pressure.
Reflecting on his injury, O’Connell expressed disappointment, stating, "Super unfortunate...I was really looking forward to today and this opportunity, and so for it to be cut short like that was definitely hard." As O'Connell recuperates, all eyes will be on Ridder and Minshew as they compete to guide the Raiders through a challenging stretch.
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