Gardner Minshew, the quarterback, had to exit the game in the fourth quarter due to an apparent shoulder injury. After the game, head coach Antonio Pierce stated that things did not seem good and that it was as bad as it could get for the Raiders.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Minshew shattered his collarbone and will be out for the rest of the season. He is now the Raiders’ second starting quarterback to be placed on injured reserve, since Aidan O’Connell is also out of action.
Fortunately, O’Connell might return as early as this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, but Minshew’s comeback is unlikely. This ended the veteran quarterback’s extremely poor season. For the second time in his career, he was given the opportunity to start Week 1.
He struggled early in the season and was benched in favour of O’Connell in Week 6. The Raiders signed him to a two-year, $25 million contract in free agency, but he was never able to play at a high level consistently, finishing the season with nine touchdown passes and ten interceptions.
Raiders’ injury woes continue
Nothing has gone well for the Raiders this season. Injury problems began before games were ever played, and they have only grown worse. Malcolm Koonce, the starting defensive end, was ruled out for the season before the season began due to an injury sustained during practice.
Since then, the Raiders have lost starting safety Marcus Epps for the season, while starting defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is on injured reserve. That’s not to mention that starter linebacker Divine Deablo missed several games earlier this season due to injuries. Jakorian Bennett and Nate Hobbs, the starting cornerbacks, were both unable to play in Week 12.
That’s just the defensive side of the ball. The offence has been without tight end Michael Mayer for much of the season, the offensive line has had to be shuffled due to injuries, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has missed numerous games, and a second quarterback is on injured reserve.
Who Will Start at Quarterback vs. Chiefs?
Minshew’s injury could not have happened at a worse moment for the Raiders. They must go to Kansas City on Friday to face the 10-1 Chiefs. Even if O’Connell is healthy enough to play, he has been out for more than a month.
Desmond Ridder has been the Raiders’ backup, but he has not been doing well. Until the organization provides further information on O’Connell’s status, it looks that Ridder will run the show for the time being.
The Raiders weren’t winning with their past quarterbacks, so things can’t get much worse with Ridder. The team may need to sign another quarterback in free agency, but they will not be prepared to play on such a short week. If the Raiders lose against the Chiefs on Friday, Ridder will get an opportunity to prove himself as the starter for the rest of the season, as O’Connell is certain to lose his position.
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