Henderson, Nev. — Aidan O’Connell will start at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, replacing Gardner Minshew, coach Antonio Pierce announced Wednesday.
Minshew had a tight training camp win against O’Connell, but was late in two of his five starts for the Raiders, in losses to the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. The Raiders are 2-3 heading into Sunday’s game.
“I mean, it’s an early battle,” Pierce said, “and at this point, I think it’s best for Aiden to move forward.”
Asked if the switch is permanent for the rest of the season, or if Minshu could get the gig back, Pierce left the door open, saying the decision was his.
“I don’t plan on making the switches anytime soon,” he said. “When it’s time to switch, we’ll switch.”
Minshew, who won the job for his ability to start a team quickly, completed a career-high 70.7% of his passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in five games. But he threw five interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six in Denver on Sunday, and his 41.1 QPR is a career low.
Meanwhile, O’Connell has completed 59.4% of spot duty this season for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Last season, the Bears were promoted from linebackers coach to interim coach on Nov. 1, elevating then-rookie O’Connell to the starting role over Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer.
O’Connell went 5-5 as a starter and threw eight touchdowns without a pick in the Raiders’ final four games. On the season, he passed for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 appearances.
Pearce said O’Connell has been “quickly vocal” this season, even while serving as Minshew’s backup.
“Out of that shell, not like a rookie anymore,” Pierce said. “No longer pretending to be a rookie. He has a certain presence about him … I love how he walks around the building.
“Actually, I really respect that when we named Gardner the starter, he said, ‘Well, I’m going to be the best scout team quarterback.’ He’s been lighting up our ass and every day he’s giving us his best looks and he’s walking around with a smile on his face … Baltimore game, him and Jackson Powers.[-Johnson] Rallying the troops and lifting them up, he is a great team player. So, these all factor into the results.”
“Friend of animals everywhere. Devoted analyst. Total alcohol scholar. Infuriatingly humble food trailblazer.”