At 2–8, the Las Vegas Raiders still haven’t found any real traction on offense. The inconsistency starts at quarterback, where Geno Smith hasn’t provided the lift they’ve needed. Heading into Week 12, the team announced their third-year quarterback is back from injured reserve, which puts another option on the table if things don’t improve.
Quarterback Change in Vegas?
On Monday afternoon, the Raiders announced that Aidan O’Connell had been activated from the Reserve/Injured list.
The third-year quarterback fractured his wrist in the preseason finale, an injury originally expected to cost him 6–8 weeks, but one that ended up keeping him out through Week 11.
Coming into the season, O’Connell was expected to be the QB2 behind offseason acquisition Geno Smith. Once he went down, the Raiders moved quickly and traded for Kenny Pickett to reinforce the depth chart.
Now, the offense finds itself in a tough spot. The Raiders are ranked 30th in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, and Smith is 25th among quarterbacks. The group also ranks third-worst in both total yards and points per game.
#RAIDERS ROSTER MOVE:
– Activated #12 QB Aidan O’Connell from the Reserve/Injured list
— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) November 19, 2025
A quarterback change makes sense on paper, but it isn’t entirely straightforward. After acquiring Smith, the Raiders gave him a two-year extension worth $75 million, with $66.5 million guaranteed. With that level of commitment, the team may feel obligated to keep him on the field.
Pickett is currently listed as the QB2, but he’s made little impact. He’s appeared in two games: a blowout loss to Kansas City, where he completed two passes but lost a fumble, and a brief two snaps in Week 10 against Denver, when Smith left for a play and Pickett’s lone pass attempt fell incomplete.
If the Raiders decide to step away from Smith, there’s a strong chance O’Connell becomes the next man up. He’s been with the organization for nearly three seasons and is under contract through 2026, unlike Pickett.
Across his first two years, O’Connell has totaled 22 touchdowns and 11 turnovers in 20 games. Nothing spectacular, but steady enough to warrant another look.
At 2–8, giving O’Connell a chance makes sense. It would also help the new staff and ownership evaluate whether he can be a backup or potential bridge quarterback heading into next season.
The Raiders face the Browns, Chargers, Broncos, Eagles, and Texans over the next five weeks — a stretch loaded with formidable defenses. It wouldn’t be surprising if they keep every quarterback option on the table.