As O’Connell rehabs his bone bruise, Vegas is about to show elsewhere underneath heart. The Raiders are anticipated to start out Desmond Ridder in Week 15, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. O’Connell will participate in a pre-game warmup, however at this level, Ridder is positioned to get the nod.
Offered that seems to be the case, Ridder’s first begin as a Raider will come in opposition to considered one of his former groups. The 25-year-old spent his first three seasons with Atlanta, Vegas’ Monday evening opponent. Within the wake of the Falcons’ reset on the QB spot this spring, Ridder was traded to the Cardinals in a swap for Rondale Moore. Arizona waived him throughout roster cutdowns, nonetheless, a transfer which opened the door to a departure. Ridder remained with the Cardinals on their apply squad till October.
O’Connell’s thumb damage led him to injured reserve at the moment, creating the necessity for extra QB depth. Ridder was added as a backup option to Gardner Minshew, though the latter has since suffered a season-ending damaged collarbone. With O’Connell now on the mend as soon as once more, Ridder is in line to see a minimum of one begin earlier than the top of the marketing campaign. The Raiders sit at 2-11 on the yr, and Maxx Crosby‘s upcoming ankle surgery provides additional to the extent to which 2024 is a misplaced season.
For Ridder, nonetheless, a run of begins would permit him to audition for both a depth function in Vegas for 2025 or a deal from one other crew. The Raiders are extensively anticipated to pursue a quarterback this offseason by way of free company and/or the draft (notably in the event that they land the No. 1 choose). Ridder shouldn’t be thought-about a contender for the beginning gig in Vegas or on another crew, however his possibilities of securing a backup function could possibly be boosted by his efficiency down the stretch.
