Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell Carted Off the Field with Knee Injury in Tough Loss to Buccaneers
It was a tough day for the Las Vegas Raiders as their quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, was carted off the field late in the third quarter during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team later announced that O’Connell had suffered a knee injury, leaving fans and teammates holding their breath.
The injury occurred after O’Connell came down awkwardly following what appeared to be a late hit from behind by Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. The scene was grim as O’Connell’s left leg was placed in an air cast before he was carted off the field. For a team already struggling with injuries, this was another devastating blow.
Next Man Up: Desmond Ridder Steps In
With O’Connell out, the Raiders turned to Desmond Ridder, who was signed off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on October 22. Ridder was the only other quarterback active for the Raiders during the game. In a pinch, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is listed as the team’s emergency quarterback, but thankfully, it didn’t come to that.
It’s worth noting that the Raiders have been plagued by quarterback injuries this season. Gardner Minshew, who began the season as the team’s starter, suffered a season-ending broken collarbone just two weeks ago. O’Connell himself had only recently returned from injured reserve after suffering a broken thumb on his right (throwing) hand on October 20. Sunday’s game marked just his second start since coming back from that injury.
O’Connell’s Performance Before the Injury
Before being forced out of the game, O’Connell completed 11 of 19 passes for 104 yards and threw one interception. While it wasn’t a standout performance, the young quarterback was still finding his rhythm after returning from his earlier injury. Unfortunately, his time on the field was cut short once again, leaving the Raiders in a precarious position as they navigate the remainder of the season.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
The Raiders’ quarterback situation is now in a state of flux. With Minshew out for the season and O’Connell’s status uncertain, the team may need to rely on Ridder moving forward. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Raiders’ current quarterback depth chart:
- Desmond Ridder: Signed off the Cardinals’ practice squad in late October, Ridder is now the likely starter if O’Connell is sidelined for an extended period.
- Jakobi Meyers: The team’s emergency quarterback, though he’s primarily a wide receiver.
It’s unclear whether the Raiders will look to add another quarterback to their roster or stick with their current options. Either way, the team faces an uphill battle as they try to salvage their season amidst a string of injuries.
Buccaneers Also Hit by Injuries
The Raiders weren’t the only team dealing with injuries on Sunday. The Buccaneers saw safety Antoine Winfield Jr. exit the game with a knee injury of his own. It was a physical contest that left both teams battered and bruised.
Final Thoughts
For Raiders fans, this season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and Sunday’s game was no exception. Losing Aidan O’Connell to a knee injury is a tough pill to swallow, especially given the team’s already depleted quarterback room. As the Raiders await further updates on O’Connell’s condition, all eyes will be on Desmond Ridder to see if he can step up and lead the team through this challenging stretch.
Stay tuned for updates as the Raiders navigate yet another setback in what has been a grueling season.
Originally Written by: ESPN Staff
