Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (12) warms up earlier than a recreation in opposition to the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Photographs In an try to leap begin their offense, the Las Vegas Raiders will change quarterbacks this weekend to somebody new.
As for his or her disgruntled star wideout? Usual, standard.
Davante Adams is more likely to stay out and second-year signal-caller Aidan O’Connell will step in for veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew II when the Raiders (2-3) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas.
This would be the third recreation in a row that Adams is anticipated to overlook due to a hamstring harm. Whereas he has been sidelined, commerce rumors have swirled across the Eleventh-year veteran who has 5 1,000-yard campaigns in his earlier six seasons.
“We talked so every thing’s good,” Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce stated. “He’s nonetheless a Raider. He has by no means not been a Raider. When he is wholesome and might play, we’ll play him.”
In the meantime, the Steelers are enjoying an analogous recreation of wait-and-see in the case of harm restoration with their very own high-profile veteran.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who has not performed this season due to a calf harm, returned to observe this week. He took repetitions with the second group in observe and is anticipated to function a backup to Justin Fields this week in opposition to Las Vegas.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin sidestepped a particular reply when requested about Wilson’s standing for this weekend and the weeks forward.
“Till [Wilson] will get to a degree the place we’re comfy with what we’re , we’ll proceed to push ahead with Justin till these issues are professional, after which we’ll make these selections,” Tomlin stated.
Fields has posted a career-best 97.1 passer score in his first season in Pittsburgh. He has handed for 961 yards, 5 touchdowns and one interception, and he has rushed for 172 yards and three scores.
Najee Harris is the Steelers’ high operating again with 270 yards however solely 3.3 yards per carry. George Pickens leads the group’s receivers with 23 catches for 310 yards.
As for the Raiders, O’Connell is about to make his first begin of 2024 after beginning 10 video games as a rookie in 2023. The Purdue product has performed in two video games in backup responsibility this season, finishing 19 of 32 passes for 176 yards, one landing and one interception.
Pierce pulled Minshew after he threw two pricey interceptions in final week’s 34-18 loss in opposition to the Denver Broncos. He stated O’Connell earned a chance to begin however he left open the chance that he might flip again to Minshew later within the season.
“I do not plan on making switches at any (particular) time,” Pierce stated. “When it is time to make a swap, we’ll make a swap.”
Pierce stated he was impressed by O’Connell’s maturity as a second-year participant.
“(He is) out of that shell, not trying like a rookie no extra,” Pierce stated. “Not performing like a rookie no extra. He has a sure presence about himself. I really like how he walks across the constructing.
“Actually, what I respect essentially the most, is once we named Gardner the starter, he stated, ‘All proper, I will be the most effective scout group quarterback potential.’ And he was lighting our (protection) up. And every single day he offers us the most effective look and he walks round with a smile on his face.”
Raiders rookie tight finish Brock Bowers will look to remain scorching after scoring his first profession landing final week in opposition to Denver. Bowers leads the group with 313 receiving yards.
Las Vegas additionally hopes to ignite its operating recreation, which has sputtered this season. Zamir White leads the group with 152 dashing yards and Alexander Mattison is subsequent with 125.
Each groups function elite cross rushers.
The Steelers’ T.J. Watt has 4.5 sacks in 5 video games this season after tallying 19 sacks in 17 video games final 12 months. Watt surpassed 100 profession sacks final week in opposition to the Cowboys.
Raiders cross rusher Maxx Crosby also can change the sport on protection. Crosby has 5 sacks in 4 video games after notching 14.5 in 2023.
–Area Stage Media