Head Coach Antonio Pierce confirmed Monday that quarterback Gardner Minshew II will be out for the rest of the season after suffering a broken collarbone against the Denver Broncos in Week 12.

The coach also confirmed that Aidan O’Connell, who suffered a thumb injury in Week 7, can return from injured reserve this week.

“We’ll see if Aidan is ready to go,” Pierce said of O’Connell. “He’s ramping up.”

The team will have a few practice workouts to stay fresh during a short week, with a focus on getting O’Connell back on the field.

“To see him be able to hold the ball comfortably, hopefully no pain there, and just be efficient,” Pierce said of what he hopes to see from the second-year quarterback this week. “It is not to the benefit of the player or our team to put a player out there who is still hurt or injured.”

“Obviously at the quarterback position you have to be smart,” Pierce added. ‘I think his future looks much brighter with Aidan. I will really have to rely on our doctors and medical staff.’

If there is a setback in O’Connell’s return, Desmond Ridder would be the next to start behind centre. After being signed by the Raiders from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad earlier this season, he played in three games, throwing for 138 yards and a touchdown.