Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell left Sunday’s game against the Bucs on a cart with an air blast on his left leg after being injured on a late hit.
The injury occurred late in the third quarter when the Bucs had a 14-10 lead. The game was O’Connell’s second back since missing four games with a broken thumb on his throwing hand.
The extent of O’Connell’s injury was initially unclear. Backup Desmond Ridder took over at quarterback.
The injury occurred after a late push in the back from Bucs defensive end Calijah Kancey. O’Connell made a passing play and threw the ball as he approached the sideline. Two steps after losing the ball, Kancey shoved him in the back.
Gene Steratore says Calijah Kancey should have been flagged for clearly violating the passer penalty. Tough quest for the Bucs.
Aiden O’Connell was taken away after this goal. Desmond Ridder is present at QB. pic.twitter.com/NUtndxHFrS
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) December 8, 2024
O’Connell tumbled to the turf and was in obvious pain after the fall. He received immediate medical attention on the field. Trainers placed an air cast on his left leg and he was taken off the field on a cart. The Raiders quickly ruled him out due to a knee injury. The extent of the injury was initially unclear.
Somehow the officials neglected to call the passerby about Kancey’s egregious late goal. Given the outcome of the game, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the NFL to take another look this week.
