Raiders Lose Aidan O’Connell for Sunday vs. Chargers

The Raiders have ruled out rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell for Sunday’s game against the Chargers to address a personal issue. With Cousins as the starter and Mendoza as the backup, the team’s depth at the position remains intact, though O’Connell’s experience is missing from the lineup.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:42:20 GMT

The Las Vegas Raiders announced that rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell will miss Sunday’s AFC West clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. O’Connell, who has been with the team since being drafted in the fourth round of 2023, will attend to a personal matter that requires his presence away from the field.

O’Connell’s Role in the Raiders’ Off‑Season Overhaul

O’Connell has been a versatile presence in the Raiders’ backfield, filling both starting and backup roles over the past two seasons. His journey began when the Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He quickly earned playing time, starting 10 games in his rookie year and adding seven more starts in 2024. The Raiders’ front office has since reshuffled the quarterback room, bringing in veteran Kirk Cousins in free agency and selecting rookie Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in 2025. This move pushed O’Connell to third on the depth chart, positioning him as a seasoned backup rather than a primary option.

Despite the depth chart shift, O’Connell’s experience remains valuable. He has appeared in 21 games, completing 62% of his passes for 3,932 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His passer rating sits at an impressive 84.1. In 2023, he threw for 2,218 yards and 12 touchdowns, while in 2024 he added 1,612 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions. These numbers highlight his ability to step in when needed, a quality the Raiders hope to leverage during the season.

Impact on Sunday’s Game Against the Chargers

With O’Connell sidelined, the Raiders’ quarterback room is now comprised of Kirk Cousins as the starter and Fernando Mendoza as the backup. Cousins, a seasoned veteran, will lead the offense on the field, while Mendoza, the 2025 first overall pick, is expected to develop into the team’s long‑term solution at the position. The absence of O’Connell removes an additional layer of experienced depth, but the established order remains unchanged. If an injury or performance issue were to arise, Mendoza is the next man in line to take over.

The Chargers will face a Raiders offense that has already shown resilience in recent games. The team’s offensive coordinator has emphasized a balanced attack, combining the veteran leadership of Cousins with the youthful energy of Mendoza. The Chargers’ defense will need to prepare for a dynamic passing game that can shift between seasoned play and emerging talent.

What Happens Next for the Raiders?

O’Connell’s absence is a temporary setback, and the Raiders are expected to have him return once his personal matter is resolved. The team’s coaching staff has indicated that O’Connell remains a valuable asset for depth and will be ready to contribute when needed. In the meantime, the focus remains on Cousins’ performance and Mendoza’s development as the franchise’s future quarterback.

As the season progresses, the Raiders will continue to evaluate their quarterback room, balancing the immediate need for a reliable starter with the long‑term goal of building a sustainable offense. The upcoming games against divisional rivals will test the depth and adaptability of the team, especially in the face of injuries or performance dips.

Key facts

• Aidan O’Connell is out for Sunday’s game vs. Chargers
• Kirk Cousins remains the starter, Fernando Mendoza the backup
• O’Connell’s career stats: 3,932 yards, 20 TDs, 11 INTs
• Raiders’ depth chart shift due to new acquisitions
• O’Connell expected to return after personal matter resolved

Why it matters

O’Connell’s absence highlights the Raiders’ depth at quarterback and underscores the importance of having experienced backups in the NFL. It also affects the team’s strategy against a divisional rival, potentially altering game plans and player roles.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Aidan O’Connell ruled out?

He is attending to a personal matter that requires his presence away from the team.

Who will lead the Raiders’ offense on Sunday?

Kirk Cousins will start as the quarterback for the game.

What is Fernando Mendoza’s role?

Mendoza is the rookie backup and is expected to develop into the Raiders’ long‑term quarterback.

Will O’Connell return for future games?

The Raiders anticipate he will return once his personal matter is resolved.

How many games has O’Connell played?

He has appeared in 21 games, starting 17 of them.

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Raiders quarterback ruled out for personal reasons”