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    • Raiders Name Starting Quarterback vs. Chiefs
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    Raiders Name Starting Quarterback vs. Chiefs

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    The Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) are gearing up for their second AFC West matchup of the season on Sunday afternoon against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs (6-0). Coach Antonio Pierce named a starting quarterback after an injury last Sunday and a new addition earlier this week.

    On Monday, the Raiders signed third-year quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Cardinals’ practice squad after starter Aidan O’Connell suffered a broken thumb in last week’s loss to the Rams. O’Connell was placed on injured reserve and the Raiders needed another arm to strengthen the position.

    Pierce was asked if there was any chance Ridder would see the field on Sunday in his first week with the team and revealed who will start for the Silver and Black at Allegiant Stadium.

    “If he’s that fast in the playbook, that would be a positive,” Pierce said. “But from now on, we’re going with Gardner (Minshew II).”

    The Raiders don’t have much choice but to start Minshew, the job he originally earned during training camp but lost to O’Connell in Week 5 after a disappointing first few games. There’s always a chance Knight will play, but if so, that would be a last resort.

    Minshew is tied for the league lead in interceptions (eight) and had four goals against the Rams last week when he entered the game in place of an injured O’Connell.

    “He (Minshew) needs to get out of his head,” Pierce said after last week’s loss. “He’s a quarterback, he’s been in this league, he understands it. Obviously we cheered him on, very positive on the sidelines with everything that happened yesterday.”

    The sixth-year veteran has the intangibles to be a solid quarterback in this league, but has struggled a lot this season keeping the ball in his team’s hands.

    In Ridder’s case, he’s the newest member of the team, and unless he has a supersonic memory, it would have been difficult for him to learn the entire playbook and start this Sunday. In the coming weeks there is a good chance he can play and make an impact while O’Connell is sidelined.

    Pierce was asked how Ridder has conducted himself in the building and what they expect from him to make a positive impact on the franchise.

    “I guess I’m just being myself,” Pierce said. “I don’t think he’s trying to apply pressure, and we’re not asking him to apply pressure and be the starting quarterback and help us turn this tide. He’s just one piece of the puzzle for us, and I think he is.” He does well in the room. He has a good presence, a very confident player, sharp and to be honest, he is trying his best to learn the playbook as quickly as possible.”

    The Raiders are limited at the quarterback position, but will likely get one of their best pass catchers back this week. Sixth-year receiver Jakobi Meyers missed the past two games due to an ankle injury, but practiced Friday and is expected to play.

    If Meyers is fully healthy, the offense will have a key target in the lineup to work with rookie tight end Brock Bowers and wideouts, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner. The Chiefs have a pass defense that ranks in the bottom half of the league and if Minshew avoids turnovers, the Raiders will compete.

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