Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders’ backup quarterback, suffered a fractured right wrist during Saturday’s preseason finale, according to the team’s injury report. The injury, which requires surgery, is expected to keep him out of action for a minimum of six to eight weeks. The Raiders have not yet confirmed the exact timeline for his return, as the recovery process will depend on the outcome of the surgical procedure and subsequent rehabilitation.
O’Connell, who has been gaining valuable experience in the Raiders’ offense, is currently the third-string quarterback in a depth chart that includes Derek Carr and Jarrett Stidham. His absence will further strain the quarterback competition for the Raiders, who are looking to secure a stable starting quarterback for the 2024 season. The team’s coaching staff will now have to assess the readiness of both Stidham and the emerging players in the quarterback room to take over the starting role.
While the injury does not directly impact the Raiders’ broader financial standing, it could affect the team’s draft strategy and free agency moves if they need to address the quarterback position. The team’s front office may consider trading for a veteran quarterback or investing in the development of younger prospects, depending on the availability of suitable options in the market. For now, the Raiders’ focus remains on managing O’Connell’s recovery and preparing the rest of the roster for the upcoming regular season.