How long will Aidan O'Connell be out? Injury update and return timeline for Raiders QB

Aidan O'Connell got his second start of the 2024 season in Week 7 against the LA Rams. However, the Las Vegas Raiders quarterback picked up an unfortunate injury in the first quarter of the game and was replaced by Gardner Minshew.

Since O'Connell exited and did not return, fans were curious to know whether his injury was serious or not and more importantly, when he would resume his duties.

Aidan O'Connell injury update: What happened to Raiders QB?

Las Vegas Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell - Source: Imagn

As per reports, Aidan O'Connell has fractured his thumb on his throwing right hand. The Raiders quarterback is expected to miss between four to six weeks of NFL action. O'Connell is expected to undergo surgery on this thumb, but the good news is that this should not rule him out for the rest of the season.

O'Connell reportedly picked up the thumb injury in the Raiders' second offensive series against the Rams on Sunday. The signal-caller attempted a deep pass to the right and took a hit on his follow-through from Rams safety Kamren Curl. Since there was no receiver at the end of O'Connell's pass, he was flagged for intentional grounding.

On the next play, O'Connell combined with teammate DJ Turner for a 10-yard pickup, but it was the quarterback's last play of the game. Minshew, who started the first five games of the season for the Raiders, was brought on for O'Connell.

After Las Vegas' 20-15 loss against the Rams, O'Connell was spotted wearing a heavily wrapped splint on the thumb. He also addressed his injury and said it was similar to the one he suffered while playing in middle school.

"I threw it and it didn't feel great," O'Connell said. "I tried to tough it out but, yeah, it does not feel great.

"Super unfortunate," O'Connell said of the timing of the injury. "I was really looking forward to today and this opportunity, and so for it to be cut short like that was definitely hard."

Although Aidan O'Connell is set to undergo further tests on Monday, reports suggest that the Raiders could place him on the injured reserve list, which would keep him out for at least four games.

Nonetheless, if O'Connell is ruled out for six weeks, the latest he could return is in Week 14, when the Raiders travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 8. Here's a look at Las Vegas' schedule for the next six games:

• Oct. 27: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Week 8)
• Nov. 3: at Cincinnati Bengals (Week 9)
• Nov. 10: BYE
• Nov. 17: at Miami Dolphins (Week 11)
• Nov. 24: vs. Denver Broncos (Week 12)
• Nov. 29: at Kansas City Chiefs (Week 13)
• Dec. 8: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 14)

If O'Connell is out for four weeks, the soonest he can return is by Week 12, when Las Vegas hosts the Denver Broncos on Nov. 24. In O'Connell's absence, Minshew is expected to lead the Raiders' offense.