Antonio Pierce, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, has made the decision to bench Gardner Minshew in favor of Aidan O'Connell for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. O'Connell, who took over as the starting quarterback midway through last season, has shown growth in confidence and leadership qualities according to Pierce.
Minshew, who went 2-3 as the starter this season, had a particularly challenging game against the Denver Broncos, throwing two interceptions that significantly impacted the outcome. The Raiders are in need of a spark as they face a crucial stretch of games against tough opponents like the Rams, Chiefs, and Bengals.
While Pierce did not confirm if O'Connell's promotion is permanent, he emphasized that it was the right decision for the team at this time. The competition between Minshew and O'Connell during the preseason ultimately led to O'Connell being named the starter for the current season.
In addition to the quarterback situation, there have been speculations surrounding wide receiver Davante Adams, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Pierce clarified that Adams remains a Raider and is working towards returning to the field as soon as he is fully healthy.
The Raiders are looking to regroup and make a push for the postseason, with Pierce expressing confidence in O'Connell's abilities to lead the team in the upcoming games. The decision to make a change at quarterback reflects the team's commitment to finding success in a challenging stretch of the season.
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