Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell to Start vs. Chiefs on Black Friday in Return from Injured Reserve
After missing the last three games with a thumb injury, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell will make his return to the starting lineup on Black Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders announced the move on Wednesday, placing Nathan Peterman on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
O’Connell’s Injury and Return
O’Connell suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb during the Raiders’ Week 11 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The injury required surgery, and the initial timeline for his return was 4-6 weeks. However, O’Connell has progressed ahead of schedule and has been cleared to play.
In O’Connell’s absence, Peterman started three games for the Raiders, going 1-2 with 614 passing yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. While Peterman showed some promise, his inconsistent play and susceptibility to turnovers led the Raiders to make the switch back to O’Connell.
O’Connell’s Impact
O’Connell has been a bright spot for the Raiders this season, completing 62.5% of his passes for 1,705 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions. His mobility and ability to extend plays outside the pocket have also been a valuable asset for the Raiders’ offense.
With O’Connell back under center, the Raiders hope to regain some of the offensive firepower they showed earlier in the season. The Chiefs’ defense has been one of the best in the league this year, allowing an average of only 18.9 points per game. However, O’Connell’s ability to make plays with his arm and legs could pose a significant challenge for the Chiefs.
Raiders’ Playoff Hopes
The Raiders enter Black Friday with a 5-8 record, one game behind the New York Jets for the final AFC wild-card spot. With five games remaining, the Raiders need to win at least four of their final games to have a chance at making the playoffs.
A victory over the Chiefs would be a major boost to the Raiders’ playoff hopes. However, the Chiefs have won 10 of the last 12 meetings between the two teams, including a 31-20 victory in Las Vegas earlier this season.
Conclusion
Aidan O’Connell’s return is a significant boost for the Raiders as they attempt to make a late push for the playoffs. His mobility, arm strength, and playmaking ability could help the Raiders overcome the Chiefs’ formidable defense and keep their playoff hopes alive.