**Aidan O'Connell Named Starter for Raiders Against Steelers**

In a surprising move, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced that Aidan O'Connell will start this Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Initially, it was anticipated that Gardner Minshew and O'Connell would compete for the starting quarterback position throughout the week’s practices. However, Pierce opted to make an early decision rather than prolonging the battle between the two.

This shift comes after Pierce's earlier decision during training camp on August 18, when he named Minshew the starter over O'Connell for the beginning of the season. O'Connell, who posted a 5-5 record as a rookie last year, will be looking to impress as he takes on a significant role earlier than expected.

Pierce expressed his desire for the decision to hold for the remainder of the season, though he also noted that he would consider returning to Minshew if necessary. This strategic decision underscores the coach's focus on adaptability and making the best choices for the team's success.