Raiders Lose $25 Million Starter for the Rest of the Season: Report
The nightmare season for the Las Vegas Raiders continues. Not only did the team suffer their seventh-straight loss in a 29-19 defeat against the Denver Broncos, but yet another starter is heading to Injured Reserve.
Quarterback Gardner Minshew left the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent shoulder injury. Following the game, head coach Antonio Pierce revealed that the outlook was grim, calling it “about as bad as it can get” for the team.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Minshew sustained a broken collarbone and will miss the rest of the season. He now joins fellow quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who is currently sidelined but could return as soon as this week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, Minshew’s season is officially over.
This marks a disappointing end for the veteran quarterback, who was named the Week 1 starter for only the second time in his career. After signing a two-year, $25 million contract in free agency, Minshew struggled to perform consistently, eventually losing the starting job to O’Connell in Week 6. He concludes the season with nine touchdown passes and 10 interceptions.
Injury Woes Continue for Raiders
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.
