Can Ridder challenge Gardner Minshew?
The team had a need at the position when starter Aidan O’Connell broke his thumb and is reportedly expected to miss 4-6 weeks. O’Connell went on the injured reserve Tuesday.
We have signed QB Desmond Ridder to the active roster from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.
In a corresponding transaction, we have placed QB Aidan O’Connell on the Reserve/Injured List and signed WR Terrace Marshall and TE Trevon Wesco to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/tdUJA6Nx9E
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 22, 2024
Let’s get to know Ridder more:
NFL experience:
Ridder, 25, started four games as a rookie in 2022 and he started 13 games last season for the Atlanta Falcons. He is 8-9 as a starter. He threw for 2,826 yards and 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2023. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round (No. 74 overall) in 2022.
Last gig:
After the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, Ridder was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for wide receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder failed to make the Cardinals’ 53-man roster this summer, losing the backup battle to Clayton Tune. He has on the Cardinals’ practice squad until signing with the Raiders.
College:
Ridder starred at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to the NCAA playoffs in 2021.
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Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
Raiders ties:
Ridder played three seasons with Raiders’ second-year wide receiver Tre Tucker at Cincinnati. So, the two already have chemistry.
Can he compete to start?
If Minshew struggles, Ridder could easily get the call while O’Connell is out if the Raiders like what they see in practice. The Raiders want the quarterback to protect the ball. If they have more confidence in Ridder than Minshew he should get a chance to be a starter again while O’Connell is out. And if Ridders does start and plays well, he could keep the job even when O’Connell is healthy.
