Raiders Set to Start Aidan O’Connell Against Chiefs on Black Friday

The Las Vegas Raiders are turning to Aidan O’Connell as their starting quarterback for the much-anticipated Black Friday showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, this marks O’Connell’s return after missing several games due to a broken thumb sustained in Week 7.

O’Connell Ready to Return

O’Connell resumed practice earlier this week, participating fully in Tuesday’s walkthrough. His recovery couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Raiders are grappling with a quarterback shortage. The situation worsened after Gardner Minshew suffered a season-ending collarbone injury during the team’s recent loss to the Denver Broncos.

Challenges in the 2023 Season

The 2023 season has been far from ideal for O’Connell, who began the year as the Raiders’ backup quarterback. Despite showing glimpses of potential, his early performances were marred by inconsistent offensive execution, and his injury in Week 7 only added to the team’s struggles.

As a rookie in 2022, O’Connell started in 10 games, finishing with a 5-5 record. While he demonstrated solid game management skills, his inability to deliver deep plays limited the Raiders’ offensive capabilities.

Facing the Chiefs Once More

O’Connell is no stranger to facing the Chiefs. The last time the Raiders defeated their AFC West rivals was in Week 16 of 2022, with O’Connell leading the charge. Although his performance in that game was modest—completing just 9 of 21 passes for 62 yards—the team leveraged a strong rushing attack and critical defensive plays to secure the victory.

A Look to the Future

Currently sitting at 2-9, the Raiders are likely to secure a high draft pick, holding the No. 3 overall spot in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Many analysts expect the team to prioritize selecting a franchise quarterback, a move they bypassed in the 2023 draft. However, O’Connell now has another opportunity to prove he can be a long-term solution for the team.

A High-Stakes Opportunity

The Black Friday game against the Chiefs is a pivotal moment for both O’Connell and the Raiders. A strong showing against one of the league’s top teams could not only boost the quarterback’s confidence but also shape the Raiders’ offseason strategy. With a chance to demonstrate his value, O’Connell will be eager to make the most of this opportunity.