The Pittsburgh Steelers could help the Las Vegas Raiders solve their quarterback problem. Geno Smith is the team’s starter, but backup Aidan O’Connell suffered a fractured wrist that will keep him out six-to-eight weeks, and they are searching for a veteran quarterback.
Enter in Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson, who lit up the preseason. Thompson balled out in the additional opportunities he was given after Will Howard suffered a broken hand. However, if Howard is ready to return, that could still leave Thompson off the roster.
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll says the team is searching for a veteran quarterback with experience, and Thompson is someone who has started regular season games for the Miami Dolphins.
“All possibilities are available right now. I mean, wherever they come from, and we’re looking everywhere to see if we can find the best guy that fits us. So if you don’t mind, I’m not going to really lay out exactly what we’re looking for here, so I don’t want to show our hand, but I want somebody who’s played. That’s what’s important, a guy that’s had game experience is really huge to me," Carroll said.
Thompson, who had a three touchdown performance against the Jaguars and an impressive showing against the Buccaneers and Panthers, did not shock Mike Tomlin, who had praise for him.
Thompson, who went 11 of 13 for 152 yards and a touchdown with a 141 passer rating, hopes he did enough to make the team. Yet, he could have done enough to make another roster, and the Raiders might be that answer.
A seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thompson was thrust into the starting role for the Dolphins far earlier than anticipated due to injuries. However, in his playing time, Thompson struggled and was injured.
He has completed 58.7 percent of his passes while throwing one touchdown and four interceptions in 138 pass attempts. Thomspon has 721 career passing yards and has added 25 rushing yards.
Thompson was released by the Dolphins, which caused some self-reflection. When the opportunity with the Steelers came up, Thompson jumped at the chance.
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