Raiders Rumors: Desmond Ridder to Sign Contract Amid Aidan O’Connell Injury

Taylyn HadleyOctober 21, 2024

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Amid a 2-5 season, the Las Vegas Raiders are signing quarterback Desmond Ridder off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad after Aidan O’Connell was placed on IR due to a fractured thumb sustained on Thursday night, according to The Insiders’ Tom Pelissero.

Tom Pelissero @TomPelisseroA new QB in Las Vegas: The #Raiders are signing Desmond Ridder off the #Cardinals practice squad, per sources.

Aidan O’Connell is headed to injured reserve and now Ridder, the former #Falcons starter, joins Gardner Minshew in the Raiders QB room. pic.twitter.com/lz1lY0Riis

O’Connell’s injury occurred during the Raiders’ 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where he completed 6-of-10 passes for 52 yards.

Ridder has a career 64 percent completion rate in the NFL, with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Drafted in the third round out of Cincinnati, the 25-year old started out with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Cardinals’ practice squad for the 2024 season.

The call-up for Ridder comes after Raiders’ backup Gardner Minshew completed 15-of-34 with 154 yards, three interception and one fumble.

The former Falcon started in 13 games last season for Atlanta, finishing the season with a 64 percent completion rate for 2,836 total yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and 12 fumbles.

Ridder could first suit up with the Raiders against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at home.