Coach Pete Carroll has informed Raiders players that anyone active for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs will see the field, making the season finale at Allegiant Stadium akin to an exhibition contest. That includes quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell, who will share duties in place of the injured Geno Smith.
“Kenny’s been the (No. 2 quarterback) all season, so he’s likely to be the guy that starts,” Carroll said Wednesday. “But both guys will play, and I want them to kind of share the game and give them an opportunity to play.”
Smith suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants and did not practice Wednesday. Carroll indicated Smith is unlikely to recover in time. “I don’t think that he’s going to be able to make that recovery,” Carroll said. “We wish that he could, and I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it’s going to be really hard for him.”
For O’Connell, the opportunity is especially meaningful. The 2023 fourth-round pick fractured his wrist in the final preseason game, spent most of the season on injured reserve, and has not taken a snap since being activated in Week 11. “I’m very excited,” O’Connell said. “A long season. A hard season.”
Pickett, acquired via trade after O’Connell’s injury, has appeared in five games (one start), completing 27 of 41 passes for 185 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He is not under contract for 2026, making Sunday an audition. “Any chance you get to play, it’s just a great opportunity,” he said. “I know everyone in here is excited to try to finish this thing strong.”
The Raiders (2-14) are expected to select a quarterback with the first or second pick in the upcoming NFL draft. O’Connell, who holds a 7-10 record as a starter, could serve as a bridge to that rookie. He has one year remaining on his rookie contract. “You kind of have to be patient. It’s required based on the circumstances,” O’Connell said. “I really had no other option than to be patient and to wait. It’s not a pill I love to swallow, but you do what you can.”
Up next
■ Who: Chiefs at Raiders
■ When: 1:25 p.m. Sunday
■ Where: Allegiant Stadium
■ TV: CBS
■ Radio: KRLV-AM (920), KOMP-FM (92.3)
■ Line: Chiefs -5½; total 37
