HENDERSON, Nev. — Gardner Minshew has been confirmed as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders’ upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, as announced by head coach Antonio Pierce on Wednesday. This decision comes despite the recent addition of Desmond Ridder to the team.

“Gardner provides us with the best chance to advance, and he has every opportunity to step up and lead us to victory,” Pierce stated.

Minshew is currently completing a career-high 67% of his passes this season. However, he faces challenges, having thrown eight interceptions and six touchdowns, along with losing four fumbles—ranking him alongside Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts for the most fumbles in the league.

When asked how he plans to boost Minshew’s confidence, Pierce emphasized the importance of support from everyone around him. “It begins with the staff and myself. It’s about instilling belief in him and encouraging him to go out there and perform without hesitation. We have nothing to lose at this point in the season. At 2-7, what’s behind us is in the past, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

In a recent match against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ridder stepped in for Minshew, completing 11 of 16 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown during Las Vegas’ 41-24 defeat on November 3. Ridder joined the Raiders from Arizona’s practice squad on October 21, filling the spot left by Aidan O’Connell, who was placed on injured reserve due to a broken thumb.

Heading into the game with the Dolphins, Minshew will be working with interim offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Scott Turner, interim offensive line coach Joe Philbin, and senior adviser Norv Turner, adding new dynamics to the team’s strategy.