Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell Carted Off Field in Loss to Buccaneers After Injuring Knee
Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during the team’s 27-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. O’Connell was carted off the field in the third quarter after being sacked by Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett.
Injury Details and Impact
According to Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, O’Connell has a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will miss the remainder of the 2023 season. The injury is a significant blow to the Raiders, who were already struggling at 2-6 before Sunday’s loss. O’Connell had started the past three games for Las Vegas, throwing for 669 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
With O’Connell out, the Raiders will turn to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stidham has limited NFL experience, having thrown just 67 passes in his career. He will make his first start for Las Vegas next week against the New Orleans Saints.
Buccaneers Dominate Defense
While O’Connell’s injury was the biggest story of the game, the Buccaneers defense also played a major role in Las Vegas’s loss. Tampa Bay held the Raiders to just 17 points and 291 total yards of offense. Linebacker Devin White led the way with eight tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
The Buccaneers also intercepted O’Connell twice, with cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. each recording a pick. Tampa Bay’s defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season, allowing just 18.1 points per game.
Raiders’ Offensive Struggles Continue
Despite the injury to O’Connell, the Raiders’ offensive struggles continued on Sunday. Las Vegas managed just 103 rushing yards on 23 attempts and converted only 3 of 13 third downs. Running back Josh Jacobs was held to 51 yards on 14 carries, while wide receiver Davante Adams had just six catches for 45 yards.
The Raiders’ offense has been one of the most disappointing units in the NFL this season. Las Vegas is ranked 29th in scoring (17.1 points per game) and 30th in total offense (296.9 yards per game).
Conclusion
The Raiders’ season took a major hit on Sunday with the injury to O’Connell and another disappointing offensive performance. Las Vegas now sits at 2-7 and faces an uphill battle to make the playoffs. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, improved to 5-3 and remain in contention for the NFC South title.
The Raiders will look to rebound next week against the Saints, while the Buccaneers will host the Baltimore Ravens.