Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell sidelined versus Falcons; Desmond Ridder takes the field against his old team.

LAS VEGAS — In a recent matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was listed as inactive, which allowed Desmond Ridder to step in as the starter against his previous team.

O’Connell sustained a bruise to his left knee on December 8 during a game against Tampa Bay.

Ridder, who began last season as the starter for the Falcons, was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals, where the Raiders eventually signed him from their practice squad on October 21.

Speaking about the opportunity to start, Ridder expressed excitement, stating, “No matter who the competition is — even if it’s the Falcons — I embrace any chance to showcase my skills.”

So far this season, Ridder has appeared in four games, primarily as a backup, and has successfully completed 28 of 44 passes, totaling 239 yards and contributing one touchdown without any interceptions.

During Monday night’s game, Carter Bradley, the son of Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, was positioned as Ridder’s backup.

O’Connell’s season has been rife with challenges, starting back in the preseason when he lost the starting quarterback role to Gardner Minshew. After five games, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce made the decision to bench Minshew, but shortly after this change, O’Connell fractured his thumb in a game against the Los Angeles Rams, sidelining him for nearly six weeks.

Upon his return, O’Connell faced further difficulties when he was taken down by Buccaneers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey. While the injury seemed concerning at first, it was ultimately not as severe as initially believed. O’Connell participated in a walk-through on Wednesday; however, he was unable to practice for the subsequent three days.