Raiders Rumors: Aidan O'Connell Named QB1 vs. Chargers with Jimmy Garoppolo Injured

The Las Vegas Raiders will reportedly start rookie Aidan O'Connell at quarterback Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported O'Connell has jumped over second-stringer Brian Hoyer and will be under center in place of an injured Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders' starting quarterback will miss the game with a concussion and did not travel with the team.

O'Connell, a fourth-round pick in April's draft, was a surprising star of the preseason. The Purdue product threw for 482 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, numbers that were clearly impressive enough that the Raiders coaching staff wants to see him in action.

Hoyer has spent the vast majority of his career as a backup. His signing this offseason was based largely on his understanding of coach Josh McDaniels' playbook. At age 37, Hoyer does not have much in the way of starting potential, so it makes sense for the Raiders to put O'Connell under center for a week.

Garoppolo signed with Las Vegas this offseason after spending most of the previous six seasons in San Francisco. He has thrown for 709 yards and five touchdowns against an NFL-worst six interceptions. The Raiders are off to a disappointing 1-2 start and are tied with the Minnesota Vikings for the league's worst turnover differential at -7.

O'Connell had turnover issues throughout his college career, throwing double-digit interceptions in both of his full seasons as Purdue's starter, so it's unclear whether Las Vegas will suddenly hang onto the ball with him starting. That said, he looked strong in limited preseason action and will be playing against a shaky Chargers defense.

The Chargers also enter the weekend at 1-2 and are allowing an NFL-worst 337 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks.