Head Coach Josh McDaniels announced Wednesday that Jarrett Stidham will start the Raiders' final two games of the 2022 regular season.
Derek Carr, who's started in 91 consecutive games for the Raiders, will be inactive while Stidham will play to further evaluate the quarterback. According to McDaniels, there were many factors involved in his decision to make Stidham the starting quarterback.
"We're all accountable to where we're at," McDaniels said. "And I think this is more about an opportunity to see a guy that we haven't seen play in a situation like this against a couple good teams, really good teams. Derek has played a lot of football. There's a lot of evaluating that's going to take place here once the season is over in terms of how we make the most progress, what makes the most sense for everybody and how we move forward."
This will be the first career start for Stidham, who joined the Silver and Black through a trade from the New England Patriots. McDaniels has familiarity with the third-year quarterback, dating back to be his offensive coordinator the two seasons he was in New England.
Stidham was drafted in 2019 out of Auburn, where in two seasons as a Tiger, he threw for 5,952 yards and 36 touchdowns. Since arriving to the NFL, he's backed up three former Pro Bowlers in Tom Brady, Cam Newton and Derek Carr. Even with his spot on the depth chart, his preparation and practice habits haven't wavered as he has worked to stay prepared for any situation throughout the season.
"[H]e works really hard and he's very bright, understands our offensive system," McDaniels said. "He's prepared like he's playing every week since he's been in the NFL. He was the backup as a rookie, he has experience getting himself ready to go in that regard. ... I expect him to be ready to go like he's always been. I know that's his mindset, he works really hard to do that."
Stidham played in all four of the Raiders' preseason games, throwing for 316 yards with a 63 percent completion rate in that span. He has a huge challenge in his first NFL start against the San Francisco 49ers, which boast the No. 1 ranked defense in the league.
"I think anytime you get to compete and challenge yourself against the best, I think that's a great opportunity for you individually and for our team collectively," McDaniels said. "They're as good as a group as we've played. ... They turn the ball over a lot, create a lot of negative plays, very good on third downs, especially third-and-long. This is a big challenge.
"It's a good opportunity for us as a team to prepare to get ready to play a team like this who's really on a roll, playing as good right now as probably any team we've played."
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams's (17) pads in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham's (66) pads in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow's (13) pads in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
A view of Acrisure Stadium before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) arrives to the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) arrives to the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and punter AJ Cole (6) arrive to the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) arrives to the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) arrives to the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) arrives to the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (93) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65), offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) and center Andre James (68) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Sebastian Gutierrez (70) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks and receivers huddle during warm ups before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders returners huddle in the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3), quarterback Chase Garbers (15) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) walk down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu and fullback Jakob Johnson (45) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo huddles with the offensive line during warm ups before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) warming up before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) waits to take the field before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) takes the field before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) kneels in the end zone before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) blocks during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) on the field during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) heads to the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) dives into the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97), defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) and defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr. (92) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) celebrates during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) receives the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after making a first down during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 40-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) returns to the field following the halftime break during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) and wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) return to the field following the halftime break during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) returns an interception during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) is congratulated by teammates after interception a pass during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls out the defense during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37), cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (93) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles after the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
