Presented By

Raiders Mailbag: Offensive line depth, new quarterback signing are main topics heading into Week 8

Oct 24, 2024 at 04:34 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Sarah Veale from Califonia asks:

"Who will be the starting QB on Sunday?"

Since Aidan O'Connell was placed on injured reserve this week, this question has come up a lot.

As of now, signs point to the team going back with Gardner Minshew II. However, the Raiders brought in some competition by signing Desmond Ridder off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.

Over two seasons, Ridder started 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons, the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While there, he won eight games as their signal caller and scored 17 total touchdowns in 2023. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy didn't rule out the possibility of Ridder playing in some capacity.

"Obviously, he took Cincinnati [Bearcats] to new heights, and he had an incredible career there," Getsy said. "And then he's had some opportunities to play in this league, and he shows that even in this week when we see him, you can see the poise and the comfort level of being around the guys and everything. It's not like he's never been there. And I think that's a comforting thing when you know a guy is not going out and touching the ball for the first time in his career. I think that's something that we'll lean on."

The best thing Minshew can do to keep the starting QB job is limit turnovers. He's thrown eight interceptions this season, including three against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. Nevertheless, his goal is to not let the miscues affect his confidence heading into another big opportunity to prove himself.

"You can't let one game or one drop, one play affect your opinion of what you are as a player, what you could be as a team," Minshew said. "So, I mean, I think stepping out, having a good day of practice today, getting rolling for this week. I think we all have high hopes and a lot of optimism added in."

"I'm ready to get back out there," Minshew added. "Give me another chance. Wish I had another chance Sunday. I feel like that's always how you feel. If you can get out there one more time, you'll figure it out and make it right, and I'm excited to have that opportunity this week."

Related Links

Mike Shank from California asks:

"How can we beef up the offensive line?"

With injuries effecting the offensive line rotation, the Raiders' main focus is putting the best five out there regardless of position.

While Kolton Miller and Andre James have been the consistent forces of the line, the two guard positions have shuffled between Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith, Cody Whitehair, Andrus Peat and rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson has seemingly taken an upper hand on the starting left guard position over the last four games, while Meredith has played well lately in relief of an injured Parham at right guard.

The right tackle position has also seen some movement with rookie DJ Glaze filling in for an injured Thayer Munford Jr. Glaze still assumed the starting job last week despite Munford returning to action, however Munford still saw some playing time in jumbo tight end packages.

"I think their play style is the right play style," Getsy said on the progression of young offensive linemen. "They're great teammates, and they work their tails off. So, when you have that part of it – and they're smart too, let's put that on top of it. I think they're on the right track. By no means are they where they need to be or where they want to be, but when you have that kind of young foundation that you can grow, I think the future is definitely bright."

At this point in the season, it's less about "beefing" up the unit as it is about finding consistent production across the line. It's worth noting their best pass blocking efficiency grade – a 91.5 from Pro Football Focus – came in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Miller, Powers-Johnson, James, Parham and Glaze in the starting unit. The Silver and Black has also averaged 111.5 rushing yards over their past four games.

1 / 90

Las Vegas Raiders signage on a tackle dummy during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.