Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or Will Howard

Wednesday, October 29, 10:19 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders have opened the practice window for quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who fractured his wrist in late August and began the season on injured reserve. The third-year signal-caller started seven games for the Raiders last season, throwing for 1,612 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions. With Geno Smith entrenched as the starter and Kenny Pickett currently serving as the backup, O'Connell could surface in trade discussions or settle into the emergency QB3 role on gamedays. While O'Connell offers no fantasy value at this time, he could carry some trade appeal given the team's current quarterback depth.

Monday, September 1, 11:37 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (hand) remains in line to operate as the team's No. 3 quarterback once he's healthy enough to play. For now, Howard will miss the first four games of the regular season after being placed on injured reserve. However, once Pittsburgh activates him, he should replace Skylar Thompson as the third-string quarterback behind veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Howard had an impressive senior season at Ohio State as he completed 73 percent of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while leading the Buckeyes to a national title. Howard didn't get into a preseason game, so Pittsburgh would truly need to have a quarterback emergency for the rookie to play a snap this season. However, plenty of teams have been forced to play or even start their third-string quarterback before, so we can't rule out Howard getting some reps when he's eventually activated in Week 5 or later.