After getting a win in their regular-season opener, the last two weeks haven’t gone as well for the Las Vegas Raiders, who currently sit with a 1-2 record after three games.
In Week 4, the Raiders will be attempting to get things back on track when they travel to take on the rival Los Angeles Chargers.
Not expected to suit up for Las Vegas on Sunday is quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who sustained a concussion during the team’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.
Many expected veteran Brian Hoyer to step in for Garoppolo this week, but according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it sounds like the Raiders are going to give rookie Aidan O’Connell a chance to start under center when they take on the Chargers.
The #Raiders are leaning toward starting rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell vs. the #Chargers on Sunday, per sources. Source cautioned Raiders still have time to make final call and vet Brian Hoyer is ready, but it’s looking as of now like O’Connell will make his NFL debut. pic.twitter.com/yspSAjABJB
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 1, 2023
After spending his college career at Purdue, O’Connell was selected by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft earlier this year.
This past preseason, the young quarterback won over Raiders fans with multiple impressive performances, and apparently, the team’s coaching staff was pleased with his play as well.
If there was ever a perfect defense for a rookie signal-caller to face in their first NFL start, the Chargers would be it for the current season.
In three games this year, Los Angeles ranks last in the league in passing yards allowed, and 28th in the NFL in points allowed.
The 2023 season isn’t over yet for the Raiders, but they’re taking advantage of this early opportunity to see if they might have something special in O’Connell.
Will he turn out to be a pleasant surprise for Las Vegas, or will the Chargers get the best of him on Sunday?
NEXT: Insider Reports Jimmy Garoppolo’s Status For Chargers Game
