With Jimmy Garoppolo dominated out on account of a concussion and never making the journey to Los Angeles, the Raiders have determined to begin rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell in opposition to the Chargers on Sunday, league sources advised ESPN.
The Raiders are opting to go together with O’Connell, a fourth-round draft choice, over veteran Brian Hoyer, who final gained a begin in October 2016. The 2 quarterbacks each obtained reps throughout follow final week whereas Garoppolo was within the concussion protocol, however O’Connell bought the bulk — if not all — of the reps at follow by the top of the week, in line with sources.
O’Connell will make his first NFL begin and try the primary passes of his professional profession in an AFC West divisional showdown at SoFi Stadium in opposition to a Chargers protection that enters Sunday giving up a median of over 450 yards per recreation by the primary three video games of this season.
O’Connell was a preseason standout this summer season, drawing comparisons from some NFL scouts and executives to Brock Purdy, one other late-round decide who bought the chance to begin final season for the San Francisco 49ers.
In three preseason video games in August, O’Connell accomplished 43-of-62 passes (69.4%) for 482 yards and three touchdowns with out an interception. He left some Raiders followers questioning why he wasn’t the backup quarterback to open the season, when Las Vegas listed Hoyer because the No. 2 quarterback.
O’Connell additionally shined throughout his school profession at Purdue, the place he handed for 9,219 yards and 65 touchdowns.
“I feel the preseason was invaluable for me on the time, simply to get on the market and play and get it beneath my belt,” O’Connell advised ESPN on Friday. “However I feel at this level it is fairly far gone and it is completely different groups and completely different schemes and completely different recreation plans for us. So I am joyful it occurred, however it is time to transfer on, I feel, and see what occurs.”
The Raiders signed Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.75 million free agent contract this offseason to switch nine-year starter Derek Carr, whilst Garoppolo wanted surgical procedure on his left foot after coming to phrases with Las Vegas.
Garoppolo, who suffered the concussion in final Sunday night time’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, has missed a minimum of 16 regular-season and playoff video games due to harm since 2020.
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