Antonio Pierce and the Raiders have found a new backup to support Gardner Minshew.
The Las Vegas Raiders strengthened their quarterback lineup on Monday!
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Raiders have signed Desmond Ridder off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. Ridder will now step in as the backup to Minshew, especially after second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell sustained a broken thumb in their recent 20–15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It’s a crucial move as the team navigates these challenges!
https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1848499059457216897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1848499059457216897%7Ctwgr%5E2288fd1b132fe781bb7b3c72dd05bf6bdb656497%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnfl%2Fraiders-add-new-option-qb-room-aidan-o-connell-injury
Ridder, a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft, got a solid start with 17 games under his belt over two seasons. Last year, he played in 15 games (13 as a starter) and threw for 2,836 yards, racking up 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, which led to an 83.4 passer rating.
After being traded to Arizona last offseason, Ridder aimed for the backup quarterback position behind Kyler Murray during training camp but ultimately lost out to fifth-round pick Clayton Tune. He was placed on waivers in August but found his way back to the Cardinals’ practice squad.
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ quarterback situation has been quite a roller-coaster in 2024. Gardner Minshew snagged the starting job in training camp, kicking off the season with a 2–3 record over the first five games. Then, coach Antonio Pierce decided to switch things up by starting Aidan O’Connell in Week 6, but the team struggled, suffering a 19-point defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, Las Vegas is gearing up to host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @Entertainm64891 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football!!
