Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or Sean Clifford

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, September 16, 10:12 AM

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed quarterback Sean Clifford to their practice squad. A 2023 fifth-round pick, Clifford spent his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers and has yet to attempt a pass in the NFL. With Joe Burrow (toe) sidelined for at least the next three months, Clifford joins Jake Browning and Mike White in the quarterback room. Browning is expected to start in Burrow's absence, while White and Clifford serve strictly as depth options. From a fantasy perspective, Clifford carries no value and should remain on the waiver wire.