Raiders make decision on backup quarterback for Sunday’s game

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) looks on from the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter of an NFL game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) greets linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the team’s practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 in Henderson. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

More Stories

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) gets set to run a play against the Green Bay Packers ...

Las Vegas Review-Journal NFL Challenge picks — Week 13

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) is taken down by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henl ...

How to watch Raiders vs. Chargers in NFL Week 13

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is chased by Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosb ...

NFL Week 13 betting breakdown: Predictions for every game

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) runs as he tries to escape pressure from Los Angeles Charger ...

Raiders-Chargers betting: Sportsbooks will be ‘huge’ Las Vegas fans

By Vincent Bonsignore

/ Las Vegas Review-Journal

November 30, 2025 - 12:10 pm

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kenny Pickett will be the backup quarterback to Geno Smith when the Raiders play the Chargers on Sunday.

Aidan O’Connell, who has been on the active roster for two weeks after spending the previous 11 weeks on injured reserve with a broken wrist, is inactive. He is the designated emergency quarterback.

The Raiders will be down another starting offensive lineman, with guard/center Jordan Meredith inactive with an ankle injury.

The Raiders also will be without tight end Michael Mayer. He was ruled out with an ankle injury he suffered last week against the Browns.

The other inactives are running back Zamir White, cornerback Darnay Holmes and linebacker Jamin Davis.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal. com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.

Las Vegas Review-Journal NFL Challenge picks — Week 13

By Todd Dewey / RJ

November 29, 2025 - 2:59 pm

Legendary sportscaster Brent Musburger went 3-1-1 against the spread last week and Westgate SuperBook vice president of marketing Jay Kornegay leads the contest with a 34-24-2 ATS record.

How to watch Raiders vs. Chargers in NFL Week 13

By David Schoen / RJ

November 29, 2025 - 10:36 am

The Raiders will test out their new offense when they visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Here is how to watch the game.

NFL Week 13 betting breakdown: Predictions for every game

By Todd Dewey / RJ

November 29, 2025 - 10:11 am

Two-time top-five Westgate SuperContest finisher “Dr. Alan” Dumond analyzes every NFL Week 13 Sunday and Monday game and makes predictions for each matchup.

Raiders-Chargers betting: Sportsbooks will be ‘huge’ Las Vegas fans

By Todd Dewey / RJ

November 28, 2025 - 4:50 pm

The Los Angeles Chargers are consensus 9½-point favorites over the Raiders, and the line is up to 10 at multiple sportsbooks for Sunday’s AFC West matchup.

Raider mailbag: How safe is Carroll after recent coordinator firings?

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

November 28, 2025 - 3:01 pm

The Raiders have fired their offensive and special teams coordinators over the last two weeks. Is Pete Carroll’s job safe?

Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, right, watches team's stretch session during pra ...

Where did Raiders go wrong under Kelly and what can Olson fix?

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

November 28, 2025 - 2:26 pm

The Raiders struggled under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, but there is hope interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson can help right the ship.

Who is Greg Olson? Facts to know about Raiders’ new play-caller

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

November 28, 2025 - 7:11 pm

Here’s what you need to know about Greg Olson, the Raiders’ interim offensive coordinator.

Raiders QB talks new role, hidden talent in Q&A

By Adam Hill / RJ

November 28, 2025 - 12:44 pm

Quarterback Aidan O’Connell sat down with the Review-Journal to talk about the ups and downs of his young career and what he’s better at than any of his teammates.