Sarah Veale from Califonia asks:
"Who will be the starting QB on Sunday?"
Since Aidan O'Connell was placed on injured reserve this week, this question has come up a lot.
As of now, signs point to the team going back with Gardner Minshew II. However, the Raiders brought in some competition by signing Desmond Ridder off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.
Over two seasons, Ridder started 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons, the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While there, he won eight games as their signal caller and scored 17 total touchdowns in 2023. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy didn't rule out the possibility of Ridder playing in some capacity.
"Obviously, he took Cincinnati [Bearcats] to new heights, and he had an incredible career there," Getsy said. "And then he's had some opportunities to play in this league, and he shows that even in this week when we see him, you can see the poise and the comfort level of being around the guys and everything. It's not like he's never been there. And I think that's a comforting thing when you know a guy is not going out and touching the ball for the first time in his career. I think that's something that we'll lean on."
The best thing Minshew can do to keep the starting QB job is limit turnovers. He's thrown eight interceptions this season, including three against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. Nevertheless, his goal is to not let the miscues affect his confidence heading into another big opportunity to prove himself.
"You can't let one game or one drop, one play affect your opinion of what you are as a player, what you could be as a team," Minshew said. "So, I mean, I think stepping out, having a good day of practice today, getting rolling for this week. I think we all have high hopes and a lot of optimism added in."
"I'm ready to get back out there," Minshew added. "Give me another chance. Wish I had another chance Sunday. I feel like that's always how you feel. If you can get out there one more time, you'll figure it out and make it right, and I'm excited to have that opportunity this week."
Mike Shank from California asks:
"How can we beef up the offensive line?"
With injuries effecting the offensive line rotation, the Raiders' main focus is putting the best five out there regardless of position.
While Kolton Miller and Andre James have been the consistent forces of the line, the two guard positions have shuffled between Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith, Cody Whitehair, Andrus Peat and rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson has seemingly taken an upper hand on the starting left guard position over the last four games, while Meredith has played well lately in relief of an injured Parham at right guard.
The right tackle position has also seen some movement with rookie DJ Glaze filling in for an injured Thayer Munford Jr. Glaze still assumed the starting job last week despite Munford returning to action, however Munford still saw some playing time in jumbo tight end packages.
"I think their play style is the right play style," Getsy said on the progression of young offensive linemen. "They're great teammates, and they work their tails off. So, when you have that part of it – and they're smart too, let's put that on top of it. I think they're on the right track. By no means are they where they need to be or where they want to be, but when you have that kind of young foundation that you can grow, I think the future is definitely bright."
At this point in the season, it's less about "beefing" up the unit as it is about finding consistent production across the line. It's worth noting their best pass blocking efficiency grade – a 91.5 from Pro Football Focus – came in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Miller, Powers-Johnson, James, Parham and Glaze in the starting unit. The Silver and Black has also averaged 111.5 rushing yards over their past four games.
The Raiders hit the practice field as they prepare for their Week 8 home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders signage on a tackle dummy during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Field goal posts during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Marquan McCall (52) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Caldwell during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Tom Telesco during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

The Las Vegas Raiders during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) and running back Dylan Laube (23) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tackle/guard Andrus Peat (75) and tackle DJ Glaze (71) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and center Will Putnam (67) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams and running back Dylan Laube (23) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams and running back Zamir White (3) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams and running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams and running back Zamir White (3) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) and running backs coach Carnell Williams during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Terrance Marshall (80) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders signage during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) and guard Cody Whitehair (65) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tackle Gottlieb Ayedze (72) and defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) and defensive lineman David Agoha (55) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) and tackle/guard Andrus Peat (75) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.