**Raiders' O'Connell Suffers Broken Thumb in Game Against Rams**

Inglewood, Calif. – Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell sustained a broken thumb on his throwing hand during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams, as reported by a source to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. O'Connell is set to undergo additional tests on Monday to determine the extent of his absence from the field.

Gardner Minshew, who had been benched in favor of O'Connell the previous week, stepped in as quarterback following O'Connell's injury. The Raiders, lacking an emergency third quarterback due to receiver Jakobi Meyers' continued ankle injury, had O'Connell listed as questionable to return, should Minshew also get hurt.

The injury occurred when O'Connell's hand collided awkwardly with the outstretched hand of Rams safety Kam Curl during a deep pass attempt. After returning from the locker room with his thumb heavily wrapped, O'Connell managed to complete 6 out of 10 passes for 52 yards. According to ESPN Research, he faced pressure on half of his 10 dropbacks, completing 2 of 5 passes for 19 yards under that duress.

Minshew, who had signed a two-year free agent contract guaranteeing him $15 million, won a close training camp competition against O'Connell. Despite completing a career-high 70.7% of his passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, Minshew was benched due to his five interceptions, including a notable pick-six in the Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos. This interception, turning a potential 17-3 lead into a tied game, led to a 34-18 loss and contributed to Minshew's career-low 40.2 QBR at the time.

In the first half against the Rams, Minshew completed 8 of 16 passes for 90 yards, though he also threw an interception and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. The coming days will be crucial for the Raiders as they assess their quarterback situation and strategize for upcoming games.