With Aidan O’Connell now on injured reserve, top star appears set to return as the starting quarterback. However, the Raiders have added competition by signing Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.
Ridder, drafted in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, started 17 games over two seasons with Atlanta, winning eight and scoring 17 touchdowns in 2023. Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy noted that Ridder’s experience is valuable, hinting at a possible role for him in the offense.
“He accomplished a lot at Cincinnati [Bearcats], and he’s shown his readiness in the league,” Getsy said. “Watching him this week, you see his poise and comfort with the team. It’s not like he’s stepping onto the field for the first time, and we’ll certainly rely on that experience.”
For Minshew, keeping the starting role will depend largely on reducing turnovers, as he’s thrown eight interceptions so far, including three in last Sunday’s game against the Rams. Despite the setbacks, he remains focused on staying confident.
“You can’t let one game or one play define you as a player or us as a team,” Minshew explained. “Today’s practice was solid, and we’re optimistic for the week ahead.” “I’m ready to get back out there,” Minshew continued. “You always want another shot, and I’m excited to have that chance this week.”
“How can we strengthen the offensive line?”
With injuries affecting the offensive line rotation, the Raiders are prioritizing putting their top five linemen on the field, regardless of position.
Kolton Miller and Andre James have been the most stable pieces on the line, while the guard spots have rotated between Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith, Cody Whitehair, Andrus Peat, and rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson has recently emerged as the starting left guard, securing the spot over the last four games, while Meredith has filled in well at right guard for an injured Parham.
The right tackle position has also seen some shifts, with rookie DJ Glaze stepping in for an injured Thayer Munford Jr. Last week, Glaze kept the starting role even as Munford returned, though Munford still played in jumbo tight end packages.
“They have the right mindset,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said of the young linemen’s progress. “They’re hard-working, smart teammates, which is a great foundation to build on. They’re not where they need to be yet, but the future looks bright.”
At this point in the season, it’s less about “beefing up” the line and more about finding reliable production. Their highest pass-blocking efficiency (91.5) from Pro Football Focus came in Week 6 against the Steelers with Miller, Powers-Johnson, James, Parham, and Glaze starting. Additionally, the Raiders have averaged 111.5 rushing yards over their last four games, showing promising progress in the run game.
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