Desmond Ridder might not get the chance to play against his former team after all, except by watching the Falcons from the sideline.
When Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was carted off the field with his left knee in an air cast during Sunday’s 28-13 loss to Tampa Bay, it seemed like he might miss the rest of the season. Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce said afterward that O’Connell’s injury didn’t “look good.”
However, the next day brought more hope. Pierce told reporters Monday morning that he didn’t have an update on O’Connell, but ESPN reported the injury was just a bone bruise, and he could be ready to play against Atlanta on Monday night.
If O’Connell is able to return, it would take away Ridder’s chance for a revenge game against the Falcons. Ridder had started 13 games for the Falcons last season before being traded to Arizona. But having O’Connell back on the field is much more important for the Raiders.
O’Connell had just returned to the lineup on Nov. 29 after missing almost six weeks due to a broken thumb. He threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns in Las Vegas’ 19-17 loss to Kansas City, and the expectation was that he would finish the season.
Aidan O’Connell is taken off the field after an injury
However, O’Connell was injured against the Buccaneers. He struggled in that game, throwing for just 104 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble. Pierce had the option of starting Ridder earlier this season, but only made the change when there were no other choices.
If O’Connell needs another week or so to recover, starting Ridder wouldn’t be a problem since the Raiders are on a nine-game losing streak and have little left to play for other than pride and a high draft pick. Ridder has moved the ball at times and has been with the team for nearly two months.
“Oddly enough, he’s played in a lot of games,” Pierce said. “It’s the way the season’s gone for us. But there’s been some bright spots. There were some other spots we wish we had back.
But what we do see is a guy that’s very competitive, that takes his job seriously, and he has an opportunity. If Aidan is not able to go and he’s the starter, it’s another great opportunity for him to showcase himself.”