The Las Vegas Raiders have signed quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday. Ridder, a former third-round draft pick, joins the Raiders following the injury of starter Aidan O’Connell, who broke his passing hand’s thumb during a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
O’Connell had stepped in for Gardner Minshew after the latter was benched the previous week. Due to his injury, O’Connell has been placed on injured reserve and will be out for at least four games. Minshew has struggled, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown against the Rams, placing him among the league leaders in turnovers, tied with Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis.
The Raiders also have undrafted rookie quarterback Carter Bradley available on their practice squad.
Ridder, 25, has a career total of 3,544 passing yards, completing 64.0% of his passes with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 19 games. He was selected as the No. 74 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, making him the second quarterback taken that year, which also featured Brock Purdy, the final pick of the draft. Ridder was a college teammate of Raiders receiver Tre Tucker.