Raiders Start the Clock on Aidan O’Connell

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Aidan O’Connell. The team designated him for return from the Reserve/Injured list on Wednesday, October 29. This is the first major step toward O’Connell rejoining the 53-man roster since his preseason injury.

This move immediately complicates the team’s quarterback depth. With Geno Smith as the starter and Kenny Pickett holding the backup spot, O’Connell’s return adds another variable to a struggling offense. The uncertainty at the position makes it difficult to project the team’s performance, a factor that even impacts the projections on sports betting apps. These platforms must now account for a third quarterback potentially re-entering the active roster.

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O’Connell’s Road to Recovery

The third-year quarterback is working his way back from a fractured right wrist. O’Connell suffered the injury in late August during the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals.

The timing was terrible, as it landed him on injured reserve for the first part of the 2025 season. His return to the practice field this week, which coincides with the team’s Week 8 bye, is his first time in pads since the summer.

A Suddenly Crowded QB Room

Before the injury, O’Connell was the clear favorite to be the primary backup to Geno Smith, whom the Las Vegas Raiders acquired in the offseason. O’Connell’s injury, however, forced the front office to make a move.

The team quickly traded for Kenny Pickett to fill the backup void. Pickett has held that role all season. O’Connell’s return now puts three quarterbacks into the immediate mix, and the team will have to make a tough decision.

Here is what the 21-day window means for the Las Vegas Raiders:

• Evaluation Period: The team has three weeks to assess O’Connell’s health and performance.
• No Roster Spot (Yet): During this window, O’Connell does not count against the 53-man roster limit.
• Final Decision: By the end of the 21 days, the Las Vegas Raiders must either activate him to the active roster or he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

The Clock is Ticking

The Las Vegas Raiders now have 21 days to make a final call. This practice window gives the coaching staff a crucial, risk-free look at O’Connell’s recovery.

They must determine if he is healthy enough to play and, if so, where he fits. His return to practice adds pressure and competition, something the quarterback room has been missing. The team must decide if they are willing to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster or if another move is coming.