Aidan

O'Connell

Kubiak didn’t come right out and say Mendoza could see more first-team reps, but it feels like things are trending that way. His response came after he was asked if Mendoza specifically deserved more first-team reps after a nice outing in his first taste of preseason action, to which Kubiak said the team will put together a plan to ensure all three QBs get first-team reps, which feels somewhat evasive and unrealistic, given that we know career backup Aidan O’Connell isn’t contending for a starting job in camp. Kubiak went on record after Thursday’s game, saying that the battle for QB1 remains Kirk Cousins’ to lose. It wouldn’t be surprising if Mendoza did see more first-team reps in the coming days, but we would be surprised if O’Connell began working in with the first team. That said, it will be worth monitoring Mendoza’s first-team reps going forward, as he could still push Cousins for the starting role before Week 1.

Yes, well, the door has been open for almost two years now. O’Connell, entering the final year of his rookie contract, played only in the Week 18 finale with Geno Smith hurt and Kenny Pickett self-combusting. It’s clear the front office doesn’t want much to do with him. He’s a plausible trade or release candidate at last cuts as the Raiders look likely to roll with Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza on the active roster.

It’s no secret the Raiders are more than likely going to select Indiana’ Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the question has been lingering on whether the Raiders will start Mendoza out of the gate or let him sit for a bit first. Las Vegas signed Kirk Cousins as a veteran presence in the locker room and still have Aidan O’Connell as quarterback depth. Spytek implied that a competition between Cousins, O’Connell, and Mendoza could shake out the Week 1 starter. Mendoza would be the franchise quarterback, but there is a good chance Cousins (or even O’Connell) start in the interim while the rookie gets better prepared for the long-term.

O’Connell entered the game in relief of Kenny Pickett, who was yanked in the first half after a rough start. It was the first game action of 2025 for O’Connell, who missed most of the season with a wrist injury. Signed through the 2026 season, O’Connell will likely return to the Raiders as a backup or third-string quarterback.

Pickett appeared to be benched after throwing a first quarter interception on an intermediate pass attempt, but he did return at one point as the Raiders split snaps between Aidan O’Connell and Pickett. Pickett enters free agency without much on his side other than youth. Pickett played for four teams in four seasons of his rookie contract and is a candidate to be a backup in 2026.

Has anyone tried asking the Raiders to be normal? We’re just asking questions here. Carroll said both players would play. Neither player is worth rostering in superflex leagues in Week 18. O’Connell has probably performed like a better quarterback but spent all season buried on the depth chart for reasons that defy rational explanation.

It appears as though Smith’s season is over. Earlier today, Vegas Nation’s Vincent Bonsignore reported that the Raiders will use “a combination of Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell” this week. Neither player should be in starting lineups, in what sounds like some sort of game-day platoon. In his first season with the Raiders, Smith completed 302-of-448 passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, while rushing 41 times for 109 yards. He is under contract through 2027, though he is owed no money that season. If the Raiders were to cut him this offseason, it would cost them $18.5 million in dead money while saving them $8 million.

Bonsignore seems to imply both players will take reps in Week 18. Pickett has been the first player off the bench, so we assume he will get the start. Should the Raiders actually employ a two-quarterback game plan, neither player should be anywhere near a re-draft or DFS lineup.

Bech injured his back on Friday. Although the Raiders’ (2-13) season is lost, a Week 17 absence could be consequential for Bech down the road. This was an opportunity for the underwhelming rookie to put a positive performance on film. He produced career highs in targets (six), receptions (six) and receiving yards (50) in Week 14. Hopefully, he can get healthy enough to play in Week 18 against the Chiefs.

Mayer has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in Week 12 against the Browns. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said he expects rookie WR Jack Bech to be more involved with Thornton, a fellow rookie, sidelined this week. Thornton has caught just 8-of-25 targets for 123 yards this season, though, so his absence in the passing game is hardly significant. Bech should not be started against the Broncos’ elite defense. Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby (knee) is active, as expected.