Raiders Bench Geno Smith, Turn to Aidan O’Connell for QB Spark
The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to make a significant change at quarterback, benching Geno Smith after his struggles through the first half of the season and activating Aidan O’Connell from injured reserve. O'Connell, who had been sidelined due to a fractured wrist, is set to return to practice this week ahead of the team's next matchup.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I’m ready to go out and show what I can do,” O'Connell said after his activation. “I’ve learned a lot from the sidelines, and now it’s my turn to step up. I’m looking forward to proving I can help this team win.”
This decision comes after Smith’s underwhelming performance in a 31–0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed only 10 of 16 passes for 67 yards and was sacked once. His early-season extension, worth $75 million over two years, has not lived up to expectations, with only 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through seven games.
“It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the game,” Smith admitted after the loss. “I know I’ve been struggling, and it’s on me to turn it around. But this is the business, and the coaches are making a decision that they think is best for the team. I respect that.”
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, who has worked with Smith in the past, expressed disappointment in the team’s performance. “This is not the level we expect from our offense,” Carroll said.
O'Connell, who was selected by the Raiders in the 2023 fourth round, showed promise in his limited appearances. In his first start earlier this season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he passed for 227 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Although he was sidelined due to a fractured thumb, O’Connell is now fully recovered and ready to contribute.
“I feel confident about my recovery and what I can bring to the offense,” O'Connell added. “I’ve had a chance to learn and watch, and now it’s my time to help lead this team. I’m excited to get back out there.”
The Raiders, currently sitting at a 2-5 record, are looking to turn their season around, and O'Connell's return could provide the spark they need. As Smith’s tenure with the Raiders faces uncertainty, all eyes will be on O'Connell as he looks to prove himself in a crucial stretch for the team.
“It’s about doing what’s best for the team,” O'Connell said. “I’m here to help us get back on track and do my part to turn this season around.”
With the quarterback position now in O’Connell’s hands, the Raiders hope for an immediate improvement in their offensive play, starting with their upcoming matchup.
Pittsburgh Steelers sign versatile former Philadelphia Eagles player
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jack Driscoll to their practice squad, the team announced. Driscoll has played both tackle spots and can kick inside to guard. Given the Steelers’ insistence on running a jumbo set, he can also play there, having played 21 career snaps.
Driscoll was the Eagles’ fourth-round pick out of Auburn in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has started in 18 games and played in 67 games over his career. After his rookie contract expired following the 2023 season, Driscoll was let go by the Eagles and signed a deal with the Miami Dolphins.
After the Dolphins released him, he was re-signed by the Eagles and eventually joined their active roster. He has not been signed by a team since the Super Bowl, and the Steelers will be his first landing spot.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 306 pounds, Driscoll has 33-inch arms and has become a versatile player who can play all over the offensive line. Driscoll has dealt with some injuries in his career, including a season-ending knee injury in 2020.
The Steelers brought him in for added depth following the injury to starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, who is battling a pectoral strain.
