Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or Adrian Martinez

Wednesday, November 19, 3:15 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Wednesday that they activated quarterback Aidan O'Connell (wrist) from Injured Reserve. O'Connell has missed all of the 2025 season to this point after suffering a fractured right wrist in the preseason. It's possible that Geno Smith's poor play could open the door for O'Connell to make starts under center for the Raiders before the end of the year, but it's unclear if that's potentially in play as early as Week 12 when the team takes on the visiting Cleveland Browns this Sunday. Kenny Pickett has been serving as Smith's backup for the first 11 weeks of the season, but O'Connell could quickly jump him on the depth chart now that he's back. The 27-year-old has a 62.6% completion rate in his two years in the NFL, throwing for 3,830 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 20 games (17 starts).

Saturday, September 13, 6:18 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Adrian Martinez has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Martinez was signed to the 49ers practice squad after failing to make the New York Jets initial 53-man roster. He wasn't expected to be anything more than a third or fourth string depth option. However, the 49ers are going to be without Brock Purdy (shoulder) and Kurtis Rourke (knee) for Sunday's game. That being said, Martinez will head to the active roster and be the backup to Mac Jones. There isn't fantasy value here with Martinez right now, but he's a name to watch if something happens to Jones.