The Las Vegas Raiders season has been a total disaster thus far. Now, they have received some tough injury news about Gardner Minshew.
Raiders starting quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a broken collarbone in Sunday’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. The injury occurred late in the game after Minshew was hit hard on a scramble, a play emblematic of the team’s struggles to protect him this season. Before exiting, Minshew posted 230 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, showing flashes of his ability to push the ball downfield but struggling to sustain consistent drives.
Minshew’s replacement, Desmond Ridder, completed 5/10 passes for 64 yards but failed to generate any scoring opportunities. The loss cemented another frustrating outing for the Raiders offense, a unit that has been plagued by injuries, turnovers, and inefficiency.
Raiders QB Gardner Minshew Receives Tough Injury News
What This Means For Las Vegas
This marks another setback for the Raiders, who are enduring a difficult season. At 2-9, they are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and remain firmly out of playoff contention. The team has faced offensive inconsistency, especially at quarterback, a situation made worse by constant roster shuffling. Minshew was benched after early struggles in favor of Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell, despite some promising moments, was sidelined with a thumb injury. This forced the Raiders to turn back to Minshew. Unfortunately, Minshew’s return did little to change the team’s fortunes. The offensive line has continued to struggle, causing inefficiency through the air and on the ground.
With Ridder now under center and O’Connell potentially returning soon, the Raiders face a murky future at quarterback. Ridder has limited experience and has struggled with decision-making in previous starts. The Raiders offense has a difficult task ahead against an elite Chiefs team on Black Friday. The Chiefs defense is led by standout pass rusher Chris Jones and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo’s aggressive schemes will likely overwhelm the Raiders offense if changes aren’t made.
Long-Term Implications
Minshew’s injury is emblematic of the Raiders’ larger struggles this year. The constant turnover at quarterback and inability to find a consistent leader under center is a glaring issue for the organization. There is a strong possibility the Raiders will target a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft, where prospects such as Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are expected to headline a strong class. Drafting a quarterback, however, is only one part of the equation. The team must also address deficiencies on the offensive line, at wide receiver, and at running back.
Beyond quarterback, the Raiders must evaluate their overall roster construction. There is no clear star wide receiver in Vegas, besides tight end Brock Bowers. The same can be said about running back. The defense has also been a liability, ranking 29th in points allowed per game.
A Clear Need for a Rebuild
The Raiders season once again highlights the pressing need for a rebuild. With glaring holes at quarterback, offensive line, defensive line, and secondary, the organization must prioritize a long-term vision rather than quick fixes. The upcoming offseason presents an opportunity for General Manager Tom Telesco and the Raiders front office to reset the franchise’s trajectory. Evaluating head coach Antonio Pierce will also be critical. While his passion and leadership have been praised, the team’s lack of competitiveness raises questions about whether he’s the right person to lead a rebuild.
In free agency, the Raiders will need to target veteran leadership and stability. Additionally, they must explore trade options for underperforming players with high salaries to free up cap space for the rebuild. The 2025 NFL Draft, where the Raiders are expected to hold a top-five pick, will be pivotal. They need to prioritize their future signal caller at the top of the draft.
Ultimately, the Raiders’ struggles this season are a reflection of years of mismanagement, poor drafting, and inconsistent coaching. While the path forward is daunting, a deliberate and focused rebuilding approach could help Las Vegas reclaim relevance in the AFC.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
