Las Vegas Raiders Bench Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell to Start in Week 6

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant change at the quarterback position as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. After starting the first five games of the season, Gardner Minshew II has been benched in favor of second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing performance by Minshew in Week 5, where he threw a critical interception that contributed to the Raiders’ 18-34 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Minshew, who won the starting job over O’Connell during training camp, has struggled with turnovers, tying for third in the league in interceptions thrown with five through the first five weeks. Despite initial support from head coach Antonio Pierce, the team’s continued struggles, including a 2-3 record and two divisional losses, have prompted the change.

The Raiders, currently at the bottom of the AFC West, are looking to revitalize their offense with O’Connell under center. The team faces a challenging matchup against the 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, who are seeking to end a two-game losing streak. The change at quarterback is part of the Raiders’ effort to address their offensive production and overall team performance.

This move also comes amidst other significant changes for the Raiders, including the recent trade of veteran wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets. As the team navigates these changes, the focus will be on whether O’Connell can provide the spark needed to turn their season around.