Tuesday, Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters that starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell is “trending upward” toward playing Sunday against the 3-11 Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium (kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. PT) for the 2-12 Raiders.
That upward trend continued Wednesday when O’Connell was on the practice field as the Raiders started their on-field preparations for the game. It was O’Connell’s first practice since he suffered a bone bruise at Tampa Bay 10 days ago.
It’s not really a surprise that O’Connell appears headed toward playing. He worked out prior to the 15-9 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night and was the Raiders’ emergency quarterback, indicating he was close to being ready.