The Las Vegas Raiders’ turbulent season took another significant hit, as head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed starting quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the remainder of the season.
The veteran signal-caller suffered a broken collarbone in the Raiders’ Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos, a defeat that dropped the team to a dismal 2-9 record.
Minshew’s injury was a crushing blow in an already challenging season for Las Vegas. The Raiders, struggling for consistency on both sides of the ball, now face the daunting task of moving forward without their most experienced quarterback. The injury occurred late in the game against Denver, with Minshew forced to exit as the Raiders fell 29-19 at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport was among the first to report the news, confirming the season-ending injury on social media. “Raiders QB Gardner Minshew broke his collarbone and is out for the season,” Rapoport wrote, echoing the sentiment of frustration that has plagued the team this season.
Quarterback Dilemma: Can O’Connell Step Up?
With Minshew sidelined, the focus now shifts to backup Aidan O’Connell. The rookie quarterback has seen limited action this year, and questions remain about his readiness to assume the starting role. O’Connell has been dealing with his own injury concerns, and his availability for Friday’s game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs remains uncertain.
Antonio Pierce addressed the situation in his post-game remarks, emphasizing that the decision regarding O’Connell’s readiness lies with the medical team. “We’ll rely on the doctors and medical staff to assess if he’s ready to play,” Pierce stated. The young quarterback’s ability to grip the football properly will be a key factor in determining his status for the divisional showdown.
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Could Daniel Jones Be an Option?
Amid the Raiders’ quarterback crisis, speculation is mounting about the possibility of bringing in recently released quarterback Daniel Jones. The former New York Giants signal-caller cleared waivers earlier this week and is now a free agent. With Minshew out and O’Connell’s health in question, the Raiders could see Jones as a stopgap solution to finish out the season.
While Jones’ availability is an intriguing storyline, the Raiders may also be considering their long-term options. With their current record, Las Vegas is on track for a high pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, potentially allowing them to secure a young franchise quarterback. For now, however, the immediate focus remains on salvaging what’s left of this season.
Tough Schedule Ahead
The Raiders’ path forward does not get any easier. After Friday’s clash with the Chiefs, Las Vegas faces a string of challenging opponents, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints. Without Minshew, navigating this stretch will require creativity and resilience from Pierce’s coaching staff.
The matchup against Kansas City looms large, as the Raiders must find a way to slow down Mahomes and a high-powered Chiefs offense. Whether O’Connell can step into the spotlight or the team turns to an external option like Jones, Las Vegas will need a strong performance to avoid further spiraling in the standings.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
The loss of Gardner Minshew underscores the broader struggles facing the Raiders this season. Antonio Pierce, who stepped into the head coaching role midseason, must now steer the team through its most challenging stretch without a proven leader under center. While the season may already seem lost in terms of playoff aspirations, these final weeks could shape the team’s direction heading into 2025.
For fans in Raider Nation, the hope lies in seeing a competitive finish, whether that means O’Connell stepping up or the team exploring external quarterback solutions. One thing is clear: the Raiders’ quarterback situation will be a closely watched storyline as the NFL season continues to unfold.