LAS VEGAS – Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew sustained a season-ending broken collarbone during Las Vegas’ 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Minshew, who signed a two-year, $25 million contract in March with $15 million guaranteed, was injured in the fourth quarter on a sack by Broncos linebacker Cody Barton. Landing awkwardly on his left shoulder, Minshew left the field in visible pain, holding his left arm, and headed straight to the locker room.
“It doesn’t look good,” said Raiders coach Antonio Pierce after the team’s seventh consecutive loss, dropping them to 2-9 on the season.
The Raiders now face a quarterback dilemma. Their options include Desmond Ridder, signed from the Cardinals’ practice squad on Oct. 22, Aidan O’Connell, who is recovering from a broken thumb, and practice squad player Carter Bradley.
With a short week ahead and a Friday game against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, Pierce acknowledged the urgency. “We’re going to need somebody, right? We’re running out of quarterbacks,” he said.
O’Connell could be cleared to play, though his status remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Ridder expressed confidence in stepping up if needed. “I’ve been here a month, and I feel comfortable with the offense,” said Ridder, who went 5-for-10 for 64 yards against Denver but fumbled on his first series.
Minshew’s injury concludes a challenging season that began with him winning a tight training camp battle with O’Connell. Despite throwing for 2,013 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games (nine starts), he also recorded a career-high 10 interceptions and three lost fumbles, ending with a total QBR of 39.1, the lowest of his career.
Since Minshew’s costly pick-six against Denver in Week 1, the Raiders have been outscored 214-118. Their 2-9 record ties them with the Jaguars and Giants for the NFL’s worst mark.
