Raiders QB Gardner Minshew suffers broken collarbone during a pivotal Week 12 game against the Denver Broncos.
The injury, sustained on a sack by Cody Barton, leaves the Raiders facing significant challenges at quarterback. With their season already hanging by a thread, this setback adds to their offensive struggles.
In this article, we’ll explore how this development impacts Minshew’s season, the Raiders’ depth, and the team’s upcoming clash against the Kansas City Chiefs.
What Happened to Raiders QB Gardner Minshew?
Gardner Minshew’s season came to a heartbreaking end when he was tackled hard by Cody Barton during the Raiders’ loss to the Denver Broncos. The hit caused Minshew to land awkwardly on his left shoulder, fracturing his collarbone.
Witnesses noted Minshew clutching his arm and heading directly to the locker room, visibly distressed.
Coach Antonio Pierce expressed concern, saying the injury doesn’t look good after the game. For Minshew, this marks the end of a challenging season in which he battled turnovers and struggled to find consistency within the offense.
Gardner Minshew’s Performance This Season
Despite flashes of brilliance, Gardner Minshew’s performance this season has been inconsistent. He threw for 2,013 yards while completing 66.3% of his passes. However, his 9 touchdowns were offset by a career-high 10 interceptions and 3 lost fumbles.
After winning the starting job during training camp, Minshew was briefly benched mid-season. Yet, injuries to Aidan O’Connell brought him back as the starter. Unfortunately, his total QBR of 39.1 was a career-low, reflective of the Raiders’ offensive struggles overall.
The Impact of Minshew’s Injury on the Raiders
Minshew’s injury compounds an already difficult season for the Raiders, who sit at 2-9 after their seventh consecutive loss.
The team is left scrambling for quarterback options, with backup Desmond Ridder, injured rookie Aidan O’Connell, and practice squad QB Carter Bradley as the remaining choices.
Coach Pierce emphasized the challenge of preparing for Friday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs on a short week. Desmond Ridder, while eager, has had limited practice reps. Pierce admitted, It’s not enough reps, highlighting the uphill battle for whoever takes the field.
Who Will Step Up in Minshew’s Absence?
The most likely candidate to replace Minshew is Desmond Ridder, who joined the Raiders from the Cardinals’ practice squad.
Ridder, while confident in his readiness, struggled in his brief appearance against the Broncos. He completed 5 of 10 passes for 64 yards, with one costly fumble.
Should Ridder falter, the Raiders could turn to Aidan O’Connell, who is eligible to return from injured reserve. O’Connell’s recovery from a broken thumb remains a key question, but he has shown promise in limited action this season.
Lastly, Carter Bradley, though untested, could be a last-resort option. With limited preparation time, the Raiders face a daunting task as they approach their next game.
Challenges Ahead for the Raiders
The Raiders are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, at Arrowhead Stadium. Preparing on a short week with minimal quarterback stability adds to the difficulty.
The team’s offensive line must improve after allowing critical sacks in recent games. Meanwhile, the defense will need to contain Patrick Mahomes, a feat easier said than done. Overcoming these challenges will require a coordinated effort from every unit.
What’s Next for Gardner Minshew?
Gardner Minshew’s recovery from a broken collarbone could take several months, effectively ending his 2023 season. While he remains under contract, his future with the Raiders is uncertain given his performance struggles and the team’s overall trajectory.
For fans interested in Minshew’s career beyond this season, you can explore more about his achievements and even his Gardner Minshew net worth here.
Broader NFL Context
Minshew’s injury is one of several quarterback losses in Week 12, underscoring the physical demands of the position. The Raiders can look to other teams’ handling of similar challenges for inspiration.
For instance, the San Francisco 49ers successfully navigated injuries last season by relying on depth and strategic play-calling. The Raiders must adopt a similar approach to remain competitive.
Conclusion
Gardner Minshew’s broken collarbone signals a tough road ahead for the Raiders. As they grapple with quarterback uncertainties, fans can stay updated on this story and more at Pennbookcenter. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or explore our latest articles!
