Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a devastating broken collarbone during a critical Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The injury, which occurred on a punishing sack by Broncos linebacker Cody Barton, has left the Raiders reeling as they face a daunting challenge at the quarterback position. With their playoff hopes already hanging by a thread, this setback could be the straw that breaks the camel's back for Las Vegas.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into how this injury affects Minshew’s season, the Raiders’ depth chart, and their upcoming clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the toughest teams in the league. Let's break it all down step by step.
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What Happened to Raiders QB Gardner Minshew?
Gardner Minshew's season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking halt when he was taken down hard by Cody Barton during the Raiders' tough loss to the Denver Broncos. The hit was brutal, leaving Minshew awkwardly landing on his left shoulder, which ultimately resulted in a fractured collarbone. Witnesses at the game described the scene as grim, noting Minshew clutching his arm and heading straight to the locker room, clearly in distress.
After the game, Coach Antonio Pierce addressed the media, expressing deep concern about the severity of the injury. "It doesn't look good," Pierce said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. For Minshew, this injury caps off a challenging season where he fought through turnovers and struggled to find consistency with an offense that often left him hanging. Now, the question remains: how will the Raiders move forward without their starting quarterback?
Gardner Minshew’s Performance This Season
Despite flashes of brilliance and moments where he showed promise, Gardner Minshew's 2023 season has been marked by inconsistency. He managed to throw for 2,013 yards while completing an impressive 66.3% of his passes. However, his nine touchdown passes were overshadowed by a career-high 10 interceptions and three costly fumbles. These numbers tell the story of a quarterback who, despite his best efforts, struggled to elevate the Raiders' struggling offense.
After earning the starting job during training camp, Minshew found himself briefly benched midway through the season. However, injuries to Aidan O’Connell forced his return to the lineup. Unfortunately, his Total QBR of 39.1—a career low—highlighted the struggles faced by both Minshew and the Raiders' offense as a whole. It's a tough pill to swallow for a player who once seemed destined for greatness.
The Impact of Minshew’s Injury on the Raiders
Minshew’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Raiders, who are already mired in a 2-9 season following their seventh consecutive loss. The team now finds itself scrambling for viable quarterback options, with Desmond Ridder, the injured rookie Aidan O’Connell, and practice squad QB Carter Bradley representing their remaining choices.
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Adding to the challenge is the fact that the Raiders have a critical game against the Kansas City Chiefs looming just days away. Coach Pierce admitted that preparing for such a high-stakes matchup on short rest is no small feat, especially with limited practice reps for whoever steps into the starting role. "It's not enough reps," Pierce lamented, highlighting the uphill battle the team faces as they attempt to regroup and compete against one of the league’s best.
Who Will Step Up in Minshew’s Absence?
The most likely candidate to fill the void left by Minshew is Desmond Ridder, a player who joined the Raiders from the Cardinals' practice squad. Ridder, though confident in his readiness, struggled mightily in his brief appearance against the Broncos. In that outing, he completed just five of ten passes for 64 yards while also fumbling the ball—a costly mistake in a game the Raiders couldn’t afford to lose.
If Ridder falters, the Raiders could turn to Aidan O’Connell, who is eligible to return from injured reserve. O’Connell’s recovery from a broken thumb remains uncertain, but his past performances indicate he could provide a spark if healthy. Lastly, Carter Bradley remains an option, albeit an untested one. With limited preparation time, the Raiders face a monumental challenge in finding a reliable quarterback to guide them through this difficult stretch.
Challenges Ahead for the Raiders
The Raiders are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions, at Arrowhead Stadium—a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere. Preparing on a short week with minimal quarterback stability adds another layer of difficulty to an already daunting matchup.
The team’s offensive line must improve drastically after allowing crucial sacks in recent games. Meanwhile, the defense will need to find a way to contain the dynamic Patrick Mahomes, a task that even the best defenses in the league struggle with. Overcoming these obstacles will require nothing short of a Herculean effort from every player on the roster.
What’s Next for Gardner Minshew?
Gardner Minshew’s road to recovery from a broken collarbone is expected to take several months, effectively ending his 2023 season. While he remains under contract with the Raiders, his future with the team is uncertain given his inconsistent performances and the organization's current trajectory. For fans eager to learn more about Minshew’s career beyond this season, you can explore his achievements and even his net worth here.
Broader NFL Context
Minshew’s injury is just one of several quarterback losses that occurred in Week 12, underscoring the physical toll the position takes on players. The Raiders can draw inspiration from other teams that have successfully navigated similar challenges. For instance, the San Francisco 49ers leaned on
