Raiders fall 22-19 as QB2 battle intensifies in Week 2 preseason against 49ers
The Las Vegas Raiders lost 22-19 to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 of the preseason, continuing the ongoing quarterback competition behind starter Derek Carr. In an expectedly light session for Geno Smith, the Seahawks signal-caller saw limited work, completing 6 of 8 passes for 55 yards before giving way to Aidan O’Connell and Cam Miller as Las Vegas pushed into its backup rotation.
O’Connell, the Raiders’ fourth-round pick from a previous regime, was the focal point of the night’s action. He took the bulk of the reps and finished 15 of 23 for 138 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. The turnover was costly, a miscue that stalled a potential scoring drive and underscored the growing pains of a young quarterback still trying to cement a role behind Smith.
Cam Miller, the rookie out of North Dakota State, saw action as well but didn’t fare much better. He completed 2 of 6 passes for 25 yards and threw an interception. Miller’s performance left him with some questions to answer as the Raiders approach their final roster decisions, though he remains in the mix for the QB2 job.
The preseason backdrop adds another layer to the discussion. Rumors have swirled that GM John Spytek is open to trading O’Connell, the former fourth-round pick, as the Raiders weigh their options with cut-down day looming. While Miller’s output Saturday offered a slight sense of doubt, Las Vegas still appears inclined to keep him in the running for the backup role, with Smith functioning as the clear starter.
What this means moving forward is a continued, two-man competition for the QB2 spot, framed by the broader aim of maximizing value ahead of final roster decisions. O’Connell’s extended action was clearly designed to showcase him as a potential trade piece, while Miller’s night reminded observers that the team still values youthful upside behind Smith.
Overall takeaways: Las Vegas remains intent on evaluating its late-round and undrafted depth at quarterback, balancing potential trade leverage with the practical need for a reliable backup. With roughly a week until final cuts, expect more emphasis on quarterback reps and a clearer sense of the Raiders’ plan at the backup position.
Brief summary: In Week 2 preseason action, O’Connell drew the bulk of the back-up reps and delivered solid yardage but a costly turnover, Miller showed flashes but also an interception, and rumors about trading O’Connell add intrigue as the Raiders edge toward roster decisions. A hopeful note for fans is that the competition could yield a viable QB2 option and potential trade value as the season approaches.