Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew was replaced by Aidan O’Connell after throwing his second interception of the game.
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Minshew recorded 12 of 17 passes for 137 yards. He also had two touchdowns and was sacked twice.
This isn’t the first time O’Connell has filled in for Minshew. O’Connell came off the bench to lead Vegas on a late touchdown drive in a 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 06: Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks towards the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 6, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Gardnew Minshew gets benched in the middle of Week 5 matchup.
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Minshew threw a pick-six in the second quarter. The Raiders lost their seven-point lead over the Denver Broncos as a result.
The 100-yard return by Pat Surtain II wasn’t the end of Minshew’s disastrous outing. The next five drives for the Raiders included just 38 yards gained on 20 plays with four punts. It also included another pick thrown by Minshew.
Minshew tried to connect with Tre Tucker, but Denver cornerback Riley Moss intercepted the pass. Once Vegas got the ball back, O’Connell was the Raiders signal-caller.
The third-quarter switch happened while the Broncos held a 20-10 lead over the Raiders.
The Raiders quarterback situation remains very fluid. There was speculation that Minshew would be replaced ahead of the team’s home game against the Cleveland Browns last week.
Minshew signed a two-year contract with $15 million guaranteed. He managed to win the training camp competition over O’Connell.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said he would give Minshew the first quarter of the season to prove himself.
Minshew amassed 877 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions through the first five weeks of the season.
The quarterback situation is the latest drama within the Raiders organization. Star wide receiver Davante Adams made it clear he longer wants to be in Vegas. He recently posted a picture of Edgar Allen Poe on his story, a reference to his most famous work “The Raven.” Fans believe Adams could end up with the Baltimore Ravens.
The drama doesn’t end there. Pierce was recently slapped with an eight-year show cause order by the NCAA for his time at Arizona State.
“The majority of the violations, in this case, stemmed from a scheme in which Pierce, other members of the football staff, and a booster arranged unofficial visits to the school for roughly one year during the COVID-19 dead period,” the report stated. “During those visits, which occurred over 15 weekends, staff members had impermissible recruiting contacts — including tryouts, football facility tours, and entertainment — with 35 prospects and their families.”
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