Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell Out Against Falcons as Desmond Ridder Takes the Lead

Desmond Ridder Gets His Chance for Revenge as Aidan O’Connell Is Inactive for Raiders-Falcons Matchup

In a twist of fate, Desmond Ridder will take the field as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in their Monday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. This opportunity comes after Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders’ current starting QB, was ruled inactive due to a knee injury. O’Connell’s absence opens the door for Ridder to take the reins for his new team, the Raiders, facing his former squad, the Falcons, in what promises to be an intriguing contest.

O’Connell’s absence marks another setback for the Raiders’ struggling season. At 2-11, the team has been beset by injuries and is playing for pride as they approach the final stretch of the year. O’Connell, who began the season as the backup, eventually took over in Week 5 but had his season interrupted by a thumb injury. Although his performances this year have been underwhelming, with only 889 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, he was still seen as the most consistent option the Raiders had at quarterback. With O’Connell now sidelined, the stage is set for Desmond Ridder to make his first start in a Raiders uniform.

Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings with him a notable history. Before joining the Raiders, Ridder spent two years with the Falcons, where he started 17 games. His time in Atlanta, however, ended when the Falcons traded him to the Arizona Cardinals during the offseason after Ridder struggled to live up to the team’s expectations. Over the course of his tenure with the Falcons, Ridder posted a record of 8-9 with 3,544 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Though his time in Atlanta was marked by inconsistency, Ridder’s background offers him an opportunity for redemption. Now with the Raiders, he will face his former team and has the chance to be a spoiler to the Falcons’ playoff hopes.

The Falcons, once the NFC South front-runners, have faltered in recent weeks. They’ve dropped four consecutive games, including crucial matchups that have seen them fall behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional race. With a 6-7 record, the Falcons are desperately trying to stay alive in the playoff hunt. This sets the stage for a fascinating confrontation between Ridder and his former team as he looks to make a statement and prove his worth in a new environment.

The Raiders’ season has been marred by significant injuries, including the loss of Gardner Minshew, their original Week 1 starter, and now O’Connell. Additionally, the defense has taken a hit with the loss of Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who will undergo season-ending ankle surgery. Ridder’s opportunity to step in as the starting QB comes at a time when the Raiders have little to lose but still much to prove.

For Desmond Ridder, Monday’s game against the Falcons is not just another opportunity; it is a chance to take revenge on the team that once saw him as their potential quarterback of the future. As the Raiders continue to struggle, Ridder’s performance could be the key to sparking something positive in a team with little to show for a rough 2024 campaign. For the Falcons, facing Ridder as the starting QB for the Raiders will be an added layer of intrigue in what is already a must-win game for them. As the stakes rise, the Monday night showdown promises to be a dramatic encounter with plenty of storylines to follow.