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Raiders Seek Backup QB After Injury Sidelines O'Connell
24 Aug
Summary
- Aidan O'Connell, Raiders' top backup QB, suffers fractured wrist
- O'Connell expected to miss 6-8 weeks, headed to injured reserve
- Raiders may trade for Browns' Kenny Pickett to fill backup role
Just two weeks before the start of the 2025 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders are facing a quarterback dilemma. The issue is not with their starting quarterback, Geno Smith, but rather with their top backup, Aidan O'Connell.
On Saturday night, O'Connell suffered a fractured right wrist, and head coach Pete Carroll has revealed that he will miss six to eight weeks with the injury. This means O'Connell will be placed on injured reserve to start the year.
With O'Connell sidelined, the Raiders are now likely to add another quarterback before Week 1. The team does have Cam Miller on the roster, but the rookie has struggled in the final two preseason games after showing promise in the opener.
One potential trade target for the Raiders is Kenny Pickett of the Cleveland Browns. Pickett, a former first-round pick, failed to establish himself as the Steelers' long-term solution at quarterback, but he served as Jalen Hurts' backup with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
The Browns have a four-man competition at quarterback, and with Joe Flacco emerging as the winner, many believe Pickett could now be a trade candidate. The Raiders may be able to acquire Pickett for a sixth-round pick or less, as the Browns are unlikely to carry four quarterbacks on their roster.
