Raiders to start O'Connell over Minshew vs. Steelers
The Las Vegas Raiders are making a quarterback change, as head coach Antonio Pierce announced Wednesday that the team will start second-year passer Aidan O'Connell over veteran Gardner Minshew on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pierce originally said there would be a QB competition between O'Connell and Minshew at practice this week. They also competed for the job at training camp, with Minshew ultimately claiming the No. 1 role. The 28-year-old completed 70.7% of his passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns against five interceptions while starting Las Vegas' first five games in 2024.
Pierce explained Wednesday that he doesn't anticipate going back to Minshew, though he'll make a change if needed, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez.
O'Connell replaced Minshew in the second half of Week 5's loss to the Denver Broncos after the latter threw his second interception of the game. It was the second time O'Connell entered a game with Las Vegas trailing this season.
A fourth-round pick last year, O'Connell made 11 appearances (10 starts) as a rookie. He posted an 83.9 passer rating in those appearances and the Raiders went 5-5 in his starts.
The Raiders are 2-3 this season and their offense has struggled, ranking 22nd in points allowed and 24th in yards allowed.