Raiders bench Gardner Minshew against Broncos

Aug 18, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) looks on during training camp at Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders have been hinting at a quarterback change, and they finally pulled the trigger during Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

The Raiders benched starter Gardner Minshew late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Minshew’s final play was an interception thrown to Denver’s Patrick Surtain II, the second interception Minshew threw to Surtain during the game.

Aidan O’Connell replaced Minshew for the remainder of the game.

QB Aidan O'Connell takes the field for the Raiders.

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Minshew did go 12/17 with a touchdown before being benched, but he only threw for 173 yards. The turnovers were almost certainly the decisive factor in coach Antonio Pierce’s decision to make the change. Minshew had previously been benched in a Week 3 loss to Carolina, but returned as the starter in Week 4.

Minshew might not get a reprieve this time. Pierce openly considered making a quarterback change two weeks ago. Pulling Minshew again in this spot certainly feels like it might be more permanent.