Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or J.J. McCarthy

Monday, October 21, 1:18 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve after fracturing his right thumb in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. O'Connell was making his second start of the year on Sunday but will now be out for four to six weeks and will miss at least the next four games after going on IR. He'll have a chance to return this season, but the earliest O'Connell can return would be in Week 13 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 8. In his two starts, O'Connell went 33-for-50 for 279 yards with a TD and an interception. Gardner Minshew II will now take over as Vegas' starter, but he's nothing more than a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. After relieving O'Connell on Sunday, Minshew went 15-for-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and also lost a fumble.

Thursday, November 14, 6:53 PM

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) had a biologic injection to deal with intermittent swelling in his right knee, according to a source, not a second surgery, as was reported on Wednesday. There has been no change in McCarthy's recovery timeline. "He's really knocked it out of the park every step of the way, and as his rehab has picked up, we noticed a little swelling in there. He's been doing everything we asked of him, but just wanted to make sure that there was no cause for concern, and all reports were very positive," head coach Kevin O'Connell said. The 21-year-old first-rounder had surgery for a torn meniscus on Aug. 14, assuring he won't make his NFL debut until 2025. McCarthy should be rostered in all dynasty/keeper formats with the Vikings hoping he can be their QB of the future. Current starter Sam Darnold has faded a bit after a hot start in 2024.