Raiders’ Season Spirals: Minshew’s Broken Collarbone Adds to Quarterback Woes
In a devastating blow to an already struggling season, the Las Vegas Raiders face a critical quarterback crisis after Gardner Minshew suffered a season-ending broken collarbone during Sunday’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos.
The injury, which occurred late in the fourth quarter, has forced the Raiders’ coaching staff to scramble for solutions with a challenging short week ahead.
The incident unfolded with just over three minutes remaining in the game. Minshew scrambled to his right before being brought down hard by Broncos linebackers Cody Barton and Jonathon Cooper.
The 28-year-old quarterback signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Raiders in March and was seen leaving the field clutching his left shoulder in visible distress.
“We’ll know more, but it doesn’t look good,” said Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce in his post-game press conference, his words carrying the weight of a season that has now seen the team drop to a concerning 2-9 record.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Raiders, who face the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs this Friday. The quarterback situation has become increasingly complex, with multiple options but no clear solution.
Desmond Ridder, who stepped in after Minshew’s exit, completed 5 of 10 passes for 64 yards but lost a crucial fumble that effectively sealed the game for Denver.
“I’ve been here almost a month now, feel comfortable with the offense, and I’m ready to go,” Ridder stated after the game, though his limited experience with the team raises questions about his readiness to take the helm. The Raiders’ coaching staff appears hesitant to fully commit to Ridder, with Pierce noting the quarterback’s lack of practice reps with the first team.
A potential silver lining emerges in the form of Aidan O’Connell, who is now eligible to return from injured reserve after recovering from a thumb injury sustained against the Los Angeles Rams on October 20. O’Connell’s possible return could provide stability to a position that has seen significant turbulence this season.
The injury caps off what has been a challenging year for Minshew, whose season statistics tell the story of missed opportunities and growing pains: 2,013 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and a career-high ten interceptions across ten games. His quarterback rating of 39.1 marked a career low, highlighting the struggles that have plagued him and the team throughout the season.
This season, the Raiders’ quarterback carousel reflects broader organizational challenges. Since Minshew’s infamous pick-six against Denver earlier in the season, the team has been outscored by an alarming margin of 214-118, leaving them tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants for the worst record in the NFL.
As the Raiders prepare for their short-week matchup against the Chiefs, Pierce faces tough decisions about the quarterback position. “We’re running out of quarterbacks,” he admitted, highlighting the situation’s urgency.
The team’s practice squad quarterback, Carter Bradley, represents another option, though his lack of NFL experience makes him a less likely candidate for the starting role.
The Raiders’ immediate future hangs in the balance as they navigate this latest setback. With O’Connell’s potential return, Ridder’s eagerness to prove himself, and the looming challenge of facing the Chiefs, the next few days will determine how the team moves forward in an increasingly difficult season.
The question now isn’t just who will start at quarterback but how the Raiders can salvage something positive from a season that continues to present new challenges. As they prepare for their Friday night showdown in Kansas City, time is of the essence, and solutions are desperately needed.