Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Quarterback Aidan O’Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders had to be carted off the field due to a knee injury after being knocked down following a pass during the second half of Sunday’s game, where they lost 28-13 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This second-year player was making his […]
Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Quarterback Aidan O’Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders had to be carted off the field due to a knee injury after being knocked down following a pass during the second half of Sunday’s game, where they lost 28-13 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This second-year player was making his return after missing nearly six weeks with a broken thumb and was still on the ground following an 8-yard completion on a third down to Jakobi Meyers. Bucs defensive lineman Calijah Kancey pursued O’Connell out of the pocket towards the Bucs sideline and pushed him from behind right after he released the ball.
Kancey did not receive a penalty for the late hit.
The Raiders refrained from commenting on the injury’s severity.
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“It appears to be serious. … We consulted with the medical staff as usual … and will await the report on Monday or Tuesday,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce mentioned regarding the quarterback’s condition.
“Sending prayers his way. I hope for a quick recovery,” Kancey stated. “I took a knee and prayed for him, hoping everything turns out well for them.”
The Raiders were behind 14-10 at the time O’Connell exited. Desmond Ridder replaced him in the subsequent series for Las Vegas.
O’Connell, who had thrown for a career-best 340 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in a narrow loss against Kansas City the previous week, completed 11 of 19 passes for 104 yards and suffered a critical interception that hindered the Raiders from scoring during a lengthy 16-play drive that took over 10 minutes of the third quarter. He also achieved the Raiders’ sole touchdown with a 1-yard run in the second quarter.
Ridder orchestrated a field-goal drive in the fourth quarter, completing 12 of 18 passes for 101 yards.
With O’Connell’s situation unclear, Ridder may be set to start the Raiders’ next match on Monday, December 16, at home against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons.
“I’m eager and prepared to step up. … We need to discover how to perform effectively on offense, defense, and special teams to secure a win,” Ridder stated.
Las Vegas (2-11) faced their ninth consecutive loss.
“I’m thankful for any opportunity I have in this position. … It’s a Monday Night game, and I understand its significance,” Ridder remarked. “But I’m excited and ready to return to work.”
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NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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