Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect Pete Carroll’s latest comments as of Sunday afternoon.
During the Raiders' final preseason game on Saturday night vs. the Cardinals, Las Vegas backup quarterback Aidan O'Connell suffered a fractured right wrist, causing him to start the 2025 season on the injured list, coach Pete Carroll told reporters after the game. O'Connell is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
O'Connell, who started 17 games in the last two seasons for the Raiders, was set as Geno Smith's backup for the 2025 season. Las Vegas acquired Smith in a trade this offseason, effectively pushing O'Connell back to the second spot.
"That's a big blow for us," Carroll said.
O'Connell was hurt on his second drive of Saturday night's game. In the first drive, he was sacked and gave up a fumble in the process. He completed 3 of 4 passes for 36 yards.
Pete Carroll Says Raiders Are in 'Market' for QB After O'Connell's Injury
Caroll told reporters on Sunday that the team will now look for an "experienced" quarterback to join the squad after learning of O'Connell's injury status.
"We're looking for an experienced player who can help us," Carroll said, via NFL insider Andrew Siciliano.
There's a lot of opportunity for the Raiders in the backup quarterback market. Just on Sunday, the Vikings and Eagles made moves to acquire new backups. Philadelphia traded with Minnesota to get Sam Howell, then the Vikings signed Carson Wentz.
Las Vegas does have rookie quarterback Cam Miller on the roster. He stepped in for O'Connell in the preseason game on Saturday. Miller's on the depth chart as the third-string quarterback, and otherwise, the Raiders have no other quarterbacks listed.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Raiders May Look to Add QB With Backup Aidan O’Connell Set to Start Year on IL.
