UPDATE: 2:05 p.m. PT October 8
According to ESPN, the Las Vegas Raiders will have Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell compete in practice this week to determine who will start as quarterback on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
UPDATE:
Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce stated on Monday morning that the coaching staff is still reviewing film and has not yet decided on a starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
ESPN has described the situation as a “competition” for now, indicating that the final decision may come later in the week.
Raiders HC Antonio Pierce told reporters that he’s still evaluating who will be the team’s starting QB, Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell. For now, the team is treating it like a competition before deciding who will start vs. the Steelers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2024
PREVIOUSLY
In addition to the drama surrounding Davante Adams, the Las Vegas Raiders are facing quarterback uncertainty.
During their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce made the decision to bench starting quarterback Gardner Minshew in favor of backup Aidan O’Connell late in the third quarter.
O’Connell had previously replaced Minshew in a Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers. While the Raiders were trailing 20-10 to Denver at the time of the switch, it appeared to be based on performance rather than the game situation.
Minshew started strong by completing his first nine passes, including a touchdown, but struggled as the game progressed, throwing two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
After winning the starting job over O’Connell in August, it will be interesting to see how Pierce and his staff handle the quarterback position going forward. There is speculation that O’Connell may start in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.