The Raiders decided to go with veteran Brian Hoyer last week after it was announced that Jimmy Garoppolo would miss the game with a back injury. Hoyer had yet to start a game with the Raiders, but Josh McDaniels believed the veteran could take care of the football and keep the offense on track.
That did not happen as the Raiders scored just six points with O’Connell under center and he turned the ball over twice. Hoyer averaged just 4.0 yards per attempt and had a passer rating of 37.1.
The expectation is that Garoppolo will be able to play in Week 8, but he has yet to be medically cleared. So if he can’t go against the Lions, who will start on Monday Night Football?
In a recent article by Dan Graziano of ESPN, he revealed that rookie QB Aidan O’Connell would get the start ahead of Hoyer if Garoppolo is unable to practice this week:
Las Vegas’ first official practice of the week won’t be until Thursday, so there’s extra time this week with the Monday game. But if Garoppolo can’t go this week, expect to see rookie Aidan O’Connell in his place instead of veteran Brian Hoyer, who struggled against a vulnerable Bears defense in Week 7 and was replaced with O’Connell late in the game.
O’Connell already has one NFL start under his belt and could get another in Week 8. He offers more upside than Hoyer and the offense seemed to be more effective with him under center.
The Raiders don’t practice until Thursday, but look for O’Connell to get extra reps this week, even if Garoppolo is cleared and ready to practice.
