Raiders Backup QB O'Connell Out 6-8 Weeks With Wrist Fracture

Las Vegas Raiders backup quarterback Aidan O'Connell suffered a fractured right wrist during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals and will require surgery, sidelining him for an estimated six to eight weeks. This injury is a significant setback for the Raiders, who currently have Geno Smith as their starter and rookie Cam Miller as the projected backup. Miller, a sixth-round pick from North Dakota State, played in O'Connell's stead during the game, completing 12 of 24 passes for 102 yards, but Raiders head coach Pete Carroll remains uncertain if Miller is ready to assume the backup role full-time. The team is also considering exploring the trade market or waiver-wire claims to bolster their quarterback depth. O'Connell, a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had appeared in nine games last season, completing 63.4% of his passes for 1,612 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. The injury forces the Raiders to reevaluate their quarterback situation early in the season as they prepare to make roster decisions ahead of the regular season kickoff.