The Raiders are expected to start rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell against the Chargers on Sunday with Jimmy Garoppolo out with a concussion, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The news was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The assumption was that veteran signal-caller Brian Hoyer would get the start, but the fourth-round pick will make his NFL debut instead.
O’Connell was at Purdue for six seasons and in 2022 he finished his final campaign there with 3,490 passing yards and 22 touchdowns to 13 interceptions in 12 games. Las Vegas selected him with the No. 135 pick in April’s NFL draft and now he’ll get his first start in a divisional matchup.
Meanwhile, Garoppolo will miss his first game of the season despite playing the entirety of his team’s 23–18 loss to the Steelers last week. Kick off between the 1–2 squads is set for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
