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Raiders add new QB Desmond Ridder

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Tony Reyes | Last updated Oct 21, 2024 10:13 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders faced a significant need at quarterback after learning that starting QB Aidan O’Connell would be placed on Injured reserve due to a broken thumb. Consequently, the team had to sign another player for the position, and they successfully did so.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Raiders are adding quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad to their roster. Ridder originally entered the NFL as a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

A new QB in Las Vegas: The #Raiders are signing Desmond Ridder off the #Cardinals practice squad, per sources.

Aidan O’Connell is headed to injured reserve and now Ridder, the former #Falcons starter, joins Gardner Minshew in the Raiders QB room. pic.twitter.com/lz1lY0Riis

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 21, 2024

He had a successful college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats, winning AAC Offensive Player of the Year twice. After that, he became a starter for the Falcons and played in 13 games last season. However, his record as a starter is 8-11.

Ridder threw 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and scored five rushing touchdowns last season. Despite this, he was unable to secure a spot on an active roster this year and has been on the Cardinals’ practice squad.

Now that Ridder is a Raider, the question on everyone’s mind is whether or not he’ll be the starting quarterback. It’s unlikely he’ll be given the starting position so quickly, especially with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on the horizon. He will need some time to familiarize himself with the offense.

Nevertheless, he could become the starter soon, especially considering that backup Gardner Minshew is currently playing the worst football of his career. Minshew was 15-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and took two sacks in the loss to the Rams.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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