Gardner Minshew Injury

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Gardner Minshew’s Season-Ending Injury Leaves Raiders in Turmoil

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew will miss the rest of the 2024 NFL season after suffering a broken collarbone late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. 

The injury occurred with just over three minutes left in the game when Minshew was sacked by Denver defenders Cody Barton and Jonathan Cooper. Team sources confirmed the severity of the injury, which immediately casts doubt on the Raiders’ ability to rebound from a seven-game losing streak.

Minshew’s absence leaves the Raiders with significant questions under center, just days ahead of their AFC West rivalry matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday. This will bring down the NFL Futures of the Raiders for this match. 

A Tough Break for Minshew and the Raiders

Minshew was helped off the field by team staffers after remaining down and clutching his left shoulder following the sack. He had an inconsistent day, completing 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards, one touchdown, and one interception before the injury. Despite his efforts, the Raiders’ offense continued to struggle, as the team failed to find rhythm against a strong Denver defense.

Head coach Antonio Pierce acknowledged the severity of Minshew’s injury during the postgame press conference, admitting, “It doesn’t look good.” Further testing confirmed the worst-case scenario: a broken collarbone that will sideline Minshew for the remainder of the season.

Backup Options and the Chiefs Showdown

With Minshew out, attention turns to the Raiders’ quarterback depth chart. Rookie Aidan O’Connell, currently on injured reserve with a thumb injury, could be activated in time to start against the Chiefs. Pierce hinted at this possibility but refrained from making a definitive statement, saying the team will evaluate O’Connell’s availability during practice this week.

The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse, as the Raiders are set to face the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on just four days of rest. The quick turnaround leaves little time for preparation, especially if the team is forced to rely on a quarterback who hasn’t played since sustaining his own injury earlier in the season.

Raiders’ Season in Peril

Minshew’s injury marks a new low point in what has been a disastrous season for Las Vegas. The team’s seventh consecutive loss drops them further out of playoff contention and puts pressure on the coaching staff to salvage a lost campaign. The offense has struggled to maintain consistency all year, and Minshew’s absence only exacerbates the challenges ahead.

Sunday’s loss to Denver underscored many of the Raiders’ recurring issues. While the defense managed to hold the Broncos under 30 points, the offense’s inability to capitalize on key drives ultimately sealed their fate. Minshew’s injury adds to a growing list of setbacks that have plagued the team throughout the season.

Looking Ahead

The Raiders’ upcoming game against the Chiefs looms large, not just for the team’s morale but also for how they approach the remainder of the season. If O’Connell is activated and able to start, it will be his first opportunity to prove himself as a viable option for the future. If he remains sidelined, the Raiders will be forced to turn to less experienced backups or explore other temporary solutions.