The Raiders’ season has been plagued by injuries from the start, and things have only gotten worse. Before the first game, starting defensive end Malcolm Koonce was lost for the year due to a practice injury.
Since then, starting safety Marcus Epps was ruled out for the season, and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins landed on Injured Reserve. Linebacker Divine Deablo also missed multiple games earlier in the season. To make matters worse, starting cornerbacks Jakorian Bennett and Nate Hobbs were unavailable for Week 12.
The offensive side of the ball hasn’t fared much better. Tight end Michael Mayer missed significant time earlier in the year, the offensive line has been in constant flux due to injuries, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers sat out multiple games, and now a second quarterback is on Injured Reserve.
Who Will Start at QB vs. Chiefs?
Minshew’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Raiders face a tough road game against the 10-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. While Aidan O’Connell might return, he has been out for over a month, leaving his availability uncertain.
Backup quarterback Desmond Ridder has been filling in but hasn’t performed well. Until there is further clarity on O’Connell’s status, it seems Ridder will get the start. However, the Raiders may need to sign another quarterback in free agency, though it’s unlikely they’d be ready to play on such short notice.
Ridder now has an opportunity to prove he deserves to finish the season as the starter, but if the Raiders lose to the Chiefs, it’s likely O’Connell will reclaim the job when healthy.
