Head Coach Antonio Pierce confirmed Monday that quarterback Gardner Minshew II will be out for the rest of the season after suffering a broken collarbone against the Denver Broncos in Week 12.
The coach also confirmed that Aidan O'Connell, who suffered a thumb injury in Week 7, could return off injured reserve this week.
"We'll see if Aidan is good to go," Pierce said of O'Connell. "He's been ramping up."
The team will have a couple walkthrough practices to stay fresh on a short week, with an emphasis on getting O'Connell back on the field.
"Seeing him able to grip the ball comfortable, hopefully no pain there, and just being able to be efficient," Pierce said of what he hopes to see from the second-year quarterback this week. "To put a player out there that's hurting or injured still, that's not to the benefit of the player or our team."
"Obviously at the quarterback position, you've got to be smart," Pierce added. "I think with Aidan, his future's much brighter looking ahead. ... I'll have to really rely on our doctors and medical staff."
If there is a setback in O'Connell's return, Desmond Ridder would be next up to start behind center. After being signed by the Raiders off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad earlier this season, he's appeared in three games in which he's thrown for 138 yards and a touchdown.
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