HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is anticipated to miss four to six weeks due to a broken thumb, according to a source familiar with the situation who requested to remain anonymous since the team has yet to release an official statement.

The source indicated that O’Connell’s injury, which is likely to result in his being placed on injured reserve, may not be as serious as initially believed due to the specific location of the fracture on his throwing hand. He is expected to seek a second opinion on his condition.

Head coach Antonio Pierce stated during a press conference that he did not have any updates regarding O’Connell’s injury, but suggested that the Raiders would explore all potential options for addressing the quarterback situation. This could involve promoting Carter Bradley from the practice squad or possibly signing a free agent.

In the meantime, Gardner Minshew, who had started the first five games of the season, will take over as the starting quarterback once again. He stepped in to replace O’Connell during the Raiders’ 20-15 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams after O’Connell sustained his injury in the first quarter.

O’Connell had been the starting quarterback for the second half of the previous season but began this year as the backup to Minshew, whose performance had been lackluster. This led to a switch in quarterback roles, with O’Connell earning his first start of the season against the Rams, only to exit after just two offensive series.

The Raiders’ quarterbacks have collectively thrown for six touchdown passes and committed 10 interceptions this season, as the team prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs, who are the reigning Super Bowl champions, this coming Sunday. In the previous matchup against the Rams, Minshew struggled, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble.