Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or Carter Bradley

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).

Tuesday, December 10, 9:57 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley has been signed to the 53-man roster on Tuesday. The rookie quarterback figures to serve as the backup to Desmond Ridder going forward. The Raiders already lost Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) and Aidan O'Connell (knee), so Ridder will now likely get a chance to prove himself in Week 15. Bradley is unlikely to touch the field unless Ridder goes down, which sadly has been a theme for Raiders quarterbacks this season. The Raiders also added Jake Luton to the mix, but he'll take over Bradley's spot on the practice squad. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about adding Ridder or Bradley in dynasty formats with the Raiders likely signing or drafting a quarterback next season.