In response to Aidan O’Connell’s injury, the Las Vegas Raiders have quickly moved to strengthen their quarterback lineup by signing Desmond Ridder, a source within the team has confirmed.
Ridder was taken from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad and is set to join the Raiders for their Week 8 matchup. Over two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Ridder amassed 3,544 passing yards, with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, recording an 8-9 record as a starter.
The 25-year-old quarterback, drafted in the third round from Cincinnati in the 2022 NFL Draft, was traded to the Cardinals in March in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore. He has not seen any game action this season.
This signing follows O’Connell’s fractured thumb, sustained during the Raiders’ Week 7 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve and will miss approximately four to six weeks, according to a league source.
O’Connell had been starting in the last two games after taking over the role from Gardner Minshew. This season, O’Connell has 455 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Minshew has tallied 1,168 yards with four touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Recently, the Raiders’ offense has faced challenges, with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers sidelined due to injury. Additionally, standout WR Davante Adams was traded to the New York Jets last week after requesting a move. First-round pick tight end Brock Bowers has emerged as a key player, leading the team in receptions (47), targets (60), and receiving yards (477).
Overall, the Raiders’ offense ranks 24th in points scored, 25th in total offense, and 30th in rushing yards. They are also tied for the fifth-most sacks allowed at 20, with their quarterbacks leading the league in interceptions at 10.
As the Raiders look for a reliable option following O’Connell’s injury, there is uncertainty around practice squad QB Carter Bradley, an undrafted rookie from South Alabama. Ridder, who was benched twice last season by the Falcons and subsequently traded, was released by the Cardinals before being signed to their practice squad.
For now, Minshew remains the starter despite his inconsistent performance, which includes four turnovers in the recent loss and a league-high 10 turnovers this season. Ridder started 13 games for the Falcons last year, completing 64.2 percent of his passes and recording 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.