The Raiders got some surprising news on Saturday as Jimmy Garoppolo was unable to clear concussion protocol in time to play in Week 4. He practiced all week but was unable to clear the final hurdles to travel. That forced the Raiders into starting rookie QB Aidan O’Connell in his first-ever game action.
O’Connell struggled, turning the ball over three times and averaging just 6.1 yards per attempt. However, he did have a few really nice throws at the end of the game that should have fans encouraged. But should he be the starting quarterback moving forward, even if Garoppolo is healthy?
In a recent article by Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, he wrote about the possibility of the Raiders starting O’Connell over Garoppolo in Week 5. Simply put, he believes that Garoppolo should be on the field next week, if healthy:
A healthy Garoppolo still gives the Raiders their best shot at success, and he will have an extra day to recover from his concussion before the Raiders next play Monday night at home against the Packers.
O’Connell is a very intriguing prospect, but the idea that he should start ahead of Garoppolo right now just doesn’t make a lot of sense. Garoppolo gives this team the best chance of winning and with the schedule getting easier in October, they owe him the chance to get this team back on track.
O’Connell might end up being the starting quarterback down the road for the Raiders. But that time isn’t now. He needs more time to develop and get up to the speed of the NFL. Look for Garoppolo to be back on the field in Week 5 when the Raiders host the Packers on Monday Night Football.
