Starting quarterback is at walk-through practice
While it is still unclear if he will be able to play Monday night against the visiting Atlanta Falcons (kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT), Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell took a positive step Wednesday as they team starts its preparation for the game and it doesn’t hurt that he has an extra day to play.
Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce told reporters Wednesday morning that O’Connell will participate in a walk-through practice. Pierce said whether or not O’Connell can play will be determined on how he does during the practice week. Pierce noted O’Connell does feel good.
There was concern Sunday that O’Connell suffered a major injury at a loss at Tampa Bay, but Monday it was determined he had just a bone bruise on his knee and that perhaps he could play against Atlanta.
If O’Connell can’t play, backup quarterback Desmond Ridder who start against the team that drafted him two years ago. The team also promoted undrafted rookie quarterback Carter Bradley to the 53-man roster from the practice squad in case O’Connell can’t play Monday.
Meanwhile, Pierce said, as expected, young running back Sincere McCormick will remain the lead running back in Week 15 even through Alexander Mattison is expected to be back after missing three games with an ankle injury. McCormick has run hard and has 175 rushing yards (he is averaging 5.5 yards a carry) and has given life to the team’s ground attack.