In a season that has already been marred by disappointment, the Las Vegas Raiders suffered another devastating blow this Sunday, as quarterback Gardner Minshew was officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season due to a broken collarbone. Minshew’s injury occurred late in the team’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos, after he was sacked in the fourth quarter. His absence leaves the Raiders facing an uphill battle for the rest of the season, as they attempt to salvage a campaign that has spiraled into a seven-game losing streak.
Minshew’s Injury Derails Raiders’ Rally
Minshew had shown flashes of competence in Week 12, completing 25 of 40 passes for 230 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Despite taking three sacks and fumbling once, Minshew was keeping the Raiders in the game before his untimely injury. After his departure, Desmond Ridder took over under center but was unable to deliver a spark. Ridder finished with 64 yards on five completions, while punter AJ Cole even attempted a 34-yard pass. However, these efforts were not enough to prevent the Broncos from pulling away with the win. The loss marks the seventh consecutive defeat for the Raiders, with several of those losses coming by at least two touchdowns.
The Raiders’ offense has struggled mightily this season, with quarterback play being one of the biggest culprits. Minshew’s injury now leaves the team scrambling for solutions, with an already challenging schedule ahead. Las Vegas will need to make quick adjustments if they hope to have any chance of turning things around before the season ends.
Aidan O’Connell’s Return Could Provide Hope
With Minshew sidelined for the rest of the year, Aidan O’Connell is expected to return for the Raiders’ upcoming Black Friday matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. O’Connell, who had previously been dealing with an injury of his own, is eligible to be activated this week, and multiple sources indicate that he will be ready to go.
For now, O’Connell and Ridder are the most probable quarterback options for the Raiders moving forward. However, it’s possible the team may look outside the roster to find a solution, especially given the inconsistent quarterback play they’ve endured this season.
Is Daniel Jones the Answer?
In light of Minshew’s injury, the Raiders might look to take a chance on former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who was shockingly released by the Giants on Friday morning. Jones, the sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft, has had an up-and-down tenure in New York, and his release comes with a hefty price tag—over $20 million in dead cap space for the Giants.
Despite a rocky career with the Giants, Jones has shown flashes of potential, and the Raiders could be an intriguing landing spot for him. Las Vegas is likely to target a quarterback in next year’s draft, but with the season essentially lost, it might be worthwhile to give Jones a shot in the final weeks. The team could either place a waiver claim or wait for Jones to clear waivers. His mobility and arm strength could give the Raiders a much-needed boost, and if he can find some rhythm in the latter half of the season, it could help the franchise assess their long-term quarterback options.
Minshew’s Rocky Season Comes to a Halt
Minshew’s injury caps off what has been a tough year for the veteran quarterback. After a solid stint with the Indianapolis Colts last season, where he started all 17 games, threw for over 3,300 yards, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, Minshew has struggled to find his footing with the Raiders. In nine games this season, Minshew completed 178 passes for 1,783 yards and eight touchdowns, but his nine interceptions and 26 sacks have been a significant hindrance to the offense.
Minshew was benched multiple times earlier in the season, and this injury only adds to the frustration of a season that never seemed to get on track. With Minshew out for the remainder of the season, the Raiders are forced to reevaluate their quarterback situation and look toward the future.
Looking Ahead: Raiders’ Season of Uncertainty
The Raiders’ 2024 campaign was already teetering on the edge, and with Minshew’s injury, the path ahead has become even more uncertain. The team’s quarterback play has been a major issue all year, and now with O’Connell and Ridder stepping in, the Raiders will need to hope that one of them can rise to the occasion.
As the season enters its final stretch, the Raiders must also consider their long-term future at quarterback. Whether it’s by exploring the possibility of adding Jones to the roster or positioning themselves for a potential top quarterback in the 2025 draft, Las Vegas has a lot of decisions to make. However, with a season that has largely been defined by frustration and failure, the Raiders’ most pressing concern is simply getting through the next few weeks without more setbacks.
With Minshew out and the quarterback position in flux, the Raiders face an uphill battle for the remainder of the year. The team will need to rally together, and whether it’s O’Connell, Ridder, or a potential new addition like Daniel Jones, the next chapter in this tumultuous season will be defined by who can emerge as the leader under center.
