Analysis

O'Connell got a chance to compete for the starting job last summer, losing out to Gardner Minshew (collarbone) but then taking over mid-season. Minshew ended up taking the job back after O'Connell suffered a thumb fracture, with things later swinging back to the latter after the former broke his collarbone. The team released Minshew on Wednesday, leaving O'Connell in the clear for the second spot on the depth chart, albeit presumably without any chance to push Smith for the starting role.

Analysis

O'Connell had effective moments early in the contest, particularly on a drive early in the second quarter during which he threw for 47 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown strike to Jakobi Meyers. However, he threw an interception just before halftime that resulted in the Chargers cashing in a touchdown, shifting the momentum in the game and seemingly taking the Raiders out of any offensive rhythm. O'Connell was also shaken up on a play during the came and backup Desmond Ridder came in for a short spell and ended up throwing two passes before O'Connell returned. Las Vegas struggled to settle on a starting quarterback throughout the season, and the team is likely to look for an upgrade at the position this offseason, potentially shifting O'Connell down the depth chart.

Analysis

The second-year QB hit Jakobi Meyers for a three-yard score in the second quarter that put the Raiders in the lead for good, then capped his day with an 18-yard TD to Tre Tucker in the fourth. O'Connell is having a decent finish to the season, accounting for five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) in his last four appearances against only one INT, but Las Vegas is still almost certain to look for an upgrade in the offseason. O'Connell will try to wrap up the campaign in style in Week 18 against the Chargers.

Analysis

O'Connell returned from a one-game absence and stabilized the Raiders' offense by not turning the ball over and taking only two sacks. He also completed three passes of at least 20 yards, two of which came in the first quarter. O'Connell has now thrown for multiple touchdowns in only one of his four starts on the season, but he has shown the ability to get the ball to the Raiders' top playmakers at a consistent clip.

Analysis

Per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, head coach Antonio Pierce noted earlier Friday that O'Connell "should be good to go" and start Sunday versus Jacksonville. With the QB subsequently maintaining his full participation level and avoiding a Week 16 injury designation, O'Connell is poised to return the lineup after being inactive for this past Monday's loss to the Falcons, a game started by Desmond Ridder.

Analysis

O'Connell's ability to practice without limitations suggests he'll be healthy enough to start in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, barring a setback. His return under center is welcome news for Raiders pass catchers Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, who combined for only 94 receiving yards in Desmond Ridder's spot start during Monday's 15-9 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said Tuesday that O'Connell is trending toward playing in Sunday's game against Jacksonville, after the quarterback sat out a 15-9 loss to the Falcons on Monday. O'Connell didn't practice at all last week but was available as the emergency No. 3 quarterback in Monday's loss, with Desmond Ridder drawing the start and Carter Bradley serving as the top backup.

Analysis

O'Connell was inactive for Monday's loss to the Falcons, but he was cleared to operate as Las Vegas' emergency third quarterback. Desmond Ridder struggled in his spot start versus Atlanta, throwing for 208 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. A return to the lineup on O'Connell's part could provide a spark to the Las Vegas offense, which would be especially notable for rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who was limited to three catches for 35 yards (on six targets) with Ridder under center Monday.

Analysis

O'Connell was deemed a non-participant in practice Thursday through Saturday and approached the contest listed as questionable, but the bone bruise to his left knee that he sustained during Week 14 action will end up sidelining the QB on Monday. In O'Connell's place, Ridder is in line to make his first start for the Raiders, while O'Connell will target a potential return to action this coming Sunday versus the Jaguars.