With starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo missing Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders made a completely unexpected move for who will replace him in Week 4.
Not only did Jimmy Garoppolo have his worst showing yet as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders last week as he tossed three interceptions against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he also incurred a notable injury with the insult. The 31-year-old suffered a concussion that forced him into the protocols and out for much of the week of practice.
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With him doing very little all week, the organization ruled him out of this weekend’s game against rivals the Chargers on Saturday night. After the news, the assumption was that veteran backup, and the second quarterback on the depth chart, Brian Hoyer would be under center against Los Angeles today. Well, not so fast.
Las Vegas Raiders choose Aidan O’Connell over Brian Hoyer as QB in Week 4
In a stunning turn of events, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport revealed on Sunday morning that Hoyer would not be getting the keys to the offense on Sunday, and instead, they will be handed to rookie signal caller Aidan O’Connell.
While it is surprising, it is not completely shocking since the buzz on O’Connell has consistently been positive since the team used a fourth-round pick on him in April. During the preseason he also had a strong showing as he hit on 43 of his 62 passes, and posted 482 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
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The belief since the organization signed Garoppolo in NFL free agency this spring was that he would be a short-term answer for them at the position. With Hoyer also not being in the Las Vegas Raiders’ long-term plans, playing O’Connell is an opportunity for them to see what he can do in a favorable matchup against the Chargers on Sunday at 4:05 PM ET on CBS.