The Las Vegas Raiders will start quarterback Aidan O’Connell in their Black Friday game against the host Kansas City Chiefs.
Head coach Antonio Pierce made the announcement Wednesday, declaring O’Connell ready to play after being sidelined since Week 7 because of a thumb injury.
“We feel good about Aidan. He’s been dialed in,” Pierce said via a team video. “Obviously, throughout this time he’s been on IR, he’s been in all the meetings; he’s been very encouraging on the sideline. He has that laser-eye focus right now. Great opportunity for him.”
The Raiders lost starter Gardner Minshew for the season to a broken collarbone in the team’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
O’Connell, 26, returned to practice on Monday and received first-team reps. He has completed 52 of 82 passes for 455 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in four games (two starts) this season.
He threw for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games (10 starts) as a rookie last season. He was selected by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Desmond Ridder, 25, acquired after the injury to O’Connell last month, will serve as backup against the Chiefs (10-1).
The Raiders are 2-9 entering the AFC West clash.
