Raiders sign Desmond Ridder: Can he be a starting quarterback?

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad.

The team needed help at the position when starter Aidan O'Connell broke his thumb and is expected to miss four to six weeks. O'Connell went on injured reserve on Tuesday.

Let's get to know Ridder better:

NFL experience:

Ridder, 25, started four games as a rookie in 2022 and last season he started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons. As a starter, he has a record of 8-9. In 2023, he threw for 2,826 yards and 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round (No. 74 overall) in 2022.

Last appearance:

After the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, Ridder was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for wide receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder didn't make the Cardinals' 53-man roster this summer, losing the relief battle to Clayton Tune. He was on the Cardinals' practice squad until he signed with the Raiders.

College:

Ridder played in Cincinnati and led the Bearcats to the 2021 NCAA playoffs.

Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

Raiders ties:

Ridder played three seasons with Raiders second-year wide receiver Tre Tucker in Cincinnati. The chemistry between the two is already right.

Can he compete for the start?

If Minshew struggles, Ridder could easily make the decision while O'Connell is out if the Raiders like what they see in practice. The Raiders want the quarterback to protect the ball. If they trust Ridder more than Minshew, he should get a chance to get back into the starting lineup while O'Connell is out. And if Ridders actually starts and plays well, he could keep the job even if O'Connell is healthy.