Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell surprisingly didn’t draw a flag in Sunday’s 28-13 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a late concussion with an air cast on his left leg in a cart.
The injury occurred late in the third quarter as the Bucs held a 14-10 lead. The game was O’Connell’s second back as he missed four games with a broken thumb on his throwing hand.
Backup Desmond Ryder finished at quarterback, completing 12 of 18 passes for 101 yards.
Bucs defensive end Kalijah Kancey was injured on a late hit. O’Connell scrambled on a passing play and threw the ball as he approached the sideline. Two steps after releasing the ball, Kensi pushed him back.
Gene Steratore said Calijah Canci should have clearly been flagged for a passer penalty. Tough look for the Bucs.
Aiden O’Connell was ruled out after this injury. Desmond Ryder is at QB. pic.twitter.com/NUtndxHFrS
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) December 8, 2024
O’Connell rolled to the turf and suffered pain after the fall. He received immediate treatment on the field. Athletic trainers placed an air cast on his left leg and he was carted off the field. The Raiders quickly sidelined him with a knee injury.
The extent of O’Connell’s injury was initially unclear, but head coach Antonio Pierce said after the game that it “doesn’t feel good.”
Officials ignored pedestrian roughing calls on blatant late hits by Kansi. Considering the outcome of the play, it wouldn’t be surprising for the NFL to take a second look at it this week.
