Raiders Face Quarterback Crisis After O'Connell Injury

The Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback depth took a significant hit in their preseason finale, as backup Aidan O'Connell suffered a fractured right wrist that is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. The injury, sustained during the team's 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, leaves the Raiders with an immediate and pressing need for a new backup as the regular season looms.

The news was confirmed by Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, who called the injury a "big blow for us." The timing couldn’t be worse for Las Vegas, which is less than two weeks away from its season opener against the New England Patriots.

O'Connell's night was short-lived, as he appeared in just two series before exiting the game. His first drive was particularly rough, ending with a sack and a lost fumble. Despite the setback, he returned for the Raiders' next possession, completing 3 of 4 passes for 36 yards before the injury ended his night and his preseason.

The third-year quarterback was a key part of the Raiders' QB room, providing a solid backup option behind starter Geno Smith, who was acquired via trade this offseason. O'Connell has significant experience, including 17 starts over the past two seasons, and his absence creates a major void.

Following O'Connell's injury, rookie Cam Miller, a sixth-round pick, took over under center. He finished the game with a stat line of 12-of-24 for 102 yards, though a large portion of those yards came in garbage time during the final drive. While Miller has been competing for a roster spot, the Raiders are unlikely to be comfortable with him as the primary backup to Smith.

The injury has forced the Raiders to consider their options for a temporary replacement. With Tuesday’s 53-man roster cutdown deadline approaching, the free-agent market is likely to see an influx of veteran quarterbacks. Names like Carson Wentz could become available, and a trade is also a viable option for Las Vegas.

O’Connell’s injury is a tough blow for both the team and the player, who was already facing a transition to a backup role under a new coaching staff. With a shaky preseason that included four turnovers in three games, the fracture adds to what has been a difficult summer. Now, the Raiders must scramble to find a reliable backup to ensure they have a contingency plan in place behind Geno Smith as they begin their 2025 season.