Quarterback is the most crucial position in football, and the Las Vegas Raiders have struggled there this season. The team hoped that switching from Gardner Minshew to Aidan O’Connell might improve their situation, but O’Connell’s return as the starter was cut short before he could complete two full games.
During the second drive against the Los Angeles Rams, O’Connell fractured his thumb after his hand collided with a Rams defender’s helmet. With O’Connell placed on injured reserve and no other quarterback on the roster, the Raiders were forced to make a move.
They addressed the issue by signing former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder, who was on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN:
The Las Vegas Raiders signed Desmond Ridder, a former third-round pick, off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, the team announced Tuesday. Ridder, who held an 8-9 record as a starter with the Falcons, joins the Raiders after Aidan O’Connell fractured his right thumb in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Rams.
In his time with the Falcons, Ridder completed 64% of his passes for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 257 yards and five touchdowns. With his dual-threat capabilities and starting experience, Ridder provides depth for the Raiders, though his passing efficiency—averaging less than 200 yards per game and with nearly equal touchdowns and interceptions—remains a concern.
For now, Minshew will stay the Raiders’ starter, though his turnover issues have been problematic this season. If Minshew struggles to limit mistakes, Ridder could get an opportunity to revive his career with the Raiders.
