Gardner Minshew II

The Athletic’s Vic Tafur reported Antonio Pierce hopes to pick his Week 1 starting QB after the Raiders’ preseason game against the Cowboys on Saturday.

QB Aidan O’Connell led the first-team offense last week, per PFF’s Nathan Jahnke, but Minshew was more productive between the two of them. O’Connell completed 7-of-9 passes for 76 yards while taking one sack. Minshew completed 6-of-12 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown, making two big-time throws in the process. He also picked up a first down on a seven-yard scramble. The showing likely gives Minshew the edge heading into Saturday night. Tafur also notes, “Minshew feels the Raiders will need both quarterbacks and is confident he will play this season no matter what decision Pierce makes.”