The Atlanta Falcons desperately need to snap a four-game losing streak, and it sounds like they may see a familiar face during their upcoming prime-time matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15.
Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, O’Connell is feared to be out for the remainder of the season.
Since veteran Gardner Mindshew is already on the injured reserve list due to a broken collarbone, former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is the next man up for the Raiders.
Sources: #Raiders fear QB Aidan O’Connell suffered a season-ending knee injury today vs Tampa Bay. He is undergoing additional testing to confirm the full severity.
But a tough year gets even tougher in Vegas as Desmond Ridder would be the next man up with four games left. pic.twitter.com/n36NQ9c9wN
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 9, 2024
The Falcons are dealing with their own quarterback issues after another poor showing from Kirk Cousins in Week 14. Cousins hasn’t thrown a touchdown during the team’s four-game losing streak while tossing eight interceptions.
It’s unquestionably the worst four-game stretch of Cousins’ career and many think it’s time to make the switch to quarterback Michael Penix.
With Ridder leading a banged-up Raiders team, and an extra day to prepare, perhaps it would make sense to go with the rookie. According to head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons will continue to ride with Cousins.
Either way, Monday night’s game would be infinitely more interesting if Ridder gets the start at quarterback for the Raiders.
Ridder has thrown for 239 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions in Las Vegas this season. The former Falcons QB passed for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during his two seasons in Atlanta.