Replacing Gardner Minshew as the starting QB for the Raiders last week, Aidan O’Connell’s time leading his team out on Sunday didn’t end too well. As he exited the field within the first quarter, while taking on the Rams in Los Angeles. And guess what? It was Minshew who replaced him on the lineup, because Aidan suffered a broken thumb, as per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

It was his hand that curled against Rams’ safety Kam Curl while he tried to throw a long pass. But surprisingly, he ended up getting penalized for intentional grounding before making his way to the bench. After briefly sitting down, the Raiders QB headed for the locker room, thereby confirming his exit from the clash.

His day in Los Angeles ended with just 6-of-10 passes for 52 yards. Over the three games he has played this season, O’Connell has racked up two TDs and two interceptions for 403 yards. However, coming into this clash, Aidan was the designated starting QB as he took over from Minshew last week against the Steelers. Announcing his takeover at center, head coach Antonio Pierce said, “It was a quarterback batter early on. Minshew started five games and at this point. I think it’s best to go with Aidan going forward.”

Although the Raiders lost 13-32 against the Steelers, where Aidan O’Connell started for the time. He had a decent game as the 26-year-old recorded 227 passing yards, one TD and one interception last week. Amid his absence for a few games, it would mark the return of Minshew, who had an abrupt ending to his starting berth in Las Vegas.

Gardner Minshew expresses disappointment as the Raiders drop him for Aidan O’Connell

It all started going downhill in week 5 when the Raiders faced off against the Broncos. Although that game ended in a defeat for the Raiders 34-18, there was a moment in the third quarter that signaled a change in QB position in Las Vegas. Minshew was substituted in the third quarter after racking up 12 for 17 passes for 137 yards. Before leaving the pitch, he also helped rookie TE Brock Bowers score a TD, while his two interceptions overshadowed his afternoon.

Expressing his thoughts post-game, the 28-year-old said, “I thought we got off to a good start. Then I killed off our momentum with a pick-six and at the end of the day. I didn’t do a good enough job giving us a shot to be competitive in this game.” Well, after the Broncos’ defeat, he even owned up and took responsibility: “That’s on me. I’ll get back to work and keep going. No matter what, my role is on the team. I’m gonna help the team any way I can.”

With O’Connell down with an injury, Minshew could again find himself leading the Raiders next week. Although there aren’t any confirmations regarding the extent of O’Connell’s injury, Pierce would have to give Minshew his place back in the center.