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Raiders Open Aidan O'Connell's 21-Day Return Window, Forcing QB Decisions

O'Connell returns to practice after a preseason wrist fracture, with Geno Smith struggling during a 2-5 start.

Overview

  • Las Vegas opened Aidan O'Connell's practice window on Wednesday, starting a 21-day period to evaluate and decide on his activation from injured reserve.
  • The third-year quarterback fractured his wrist in late August and was placed on IR after serving as a primary starter over the past two seasons.
  • Geno Smith has started every game this year and remains QB1 after the bye, while Kenny Pickett has seen only brief duty late in a Week 7 loss to the Chiefs.
  • Smith has seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions and ranks near the bottom of the league in QBR, raising scrutiny of the position as the schedule resumes.
  • The team must choose within three weeks to place O'Connell on the 53-man roster, keep him on season-ending IR, or make corresponding moves in a crowded QB room.