Gardner Minshew will serve as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders during their matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce confirmed this decision on Wednesday, weighing the option of utilizing newly acquired quarterback Desmond Ridder.
“Gardner gives us the best chance to move forward, and he has the opportunity to lead us to victory,” Pierce stated, emphasizing the importance of support from the entire team.
He added, “It starts with the staff, including myself. We need to instill confidence in him. He should go out there and play freely. At this point, what do we have to lose? We’re 2-7, and what’s behind us is behind us. I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
Ridder had recently stepped in for Minshew during the Raiders’ last game, where he completed 11 of 16 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in a 41-24 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on November 3. The Raiders signed Ridder from Arizona’s practice squad on October 21 after Aidan O’Connell was placed on injured reserve due to a broken thumb.
As Minshew prepares for the Dolphins, he will work under the guidance of new interim offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Scott Turner, interim offensive line coach Joe Philbin, and senior adviser Norv Turner, all of whom bring fresh perspectives to the team.
