The Las Vegas Raiders lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon, but the final score mattered less than the injury suffered by quarterback Aidan O'Connell.
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The injury occurred after O'Connell threw a pass downfield to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers during the third quarter of the game. Moments after he completed the pass, defensive lineman Calijah Kancey shoved him from behind.
The second-year quarterback stumbled awkwardly before falling to the ground. He was carted off the field with his leg in an air cast. The Raiders quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game.
The referees did not call a penalty on the late hit.
🚨🚨REFS ARE AWFUL🚨🚨
Aidan O'Connell was carted off the field with his leg in an air cast after a defender hit him late.
100% late and a dirty hit.
No call from the refs.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 8, 2024
With O'Connell injured, the Raiders turned to backup Desmond Ridder to finish the game. The former Falcons starter completed 12 of his 18 attempted passes for 101 yards with no interceptions or touchdowns. The Raiders lost the game 13-28.
This marked the second injury this season for O'Connell, who started the season as the backup. He missed several games after fracturing his thumb. He returned to practice and the lineup on Black Friday as he faced off with the rival Chiefs. He threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns in the 17-19 loss.
Gardner Minshew, who started the season as the top quarterback, has been on Injured Reserve since Nov. 28 due to a fractured collarbone.
If the injury keeps O'Connell out of the lineup for an extended period, the Raiders will have to find some quarterback depth. Ridder would be the only healthy signal-caller on the active roster. Rookie Carter Bradley from South Alabama is the only other quarterback on the roster. He remains on the practice squad.
Now 2-11, the Raiders have four games remaining in the season. They next take on the Falcons before facing off with the Jaguars. The Silver and Black close out the year with games against the Saints and Chargers.
