Raiders report: Aidan O’Connell expected to start Sunday

Aidan O’Connell is expected to start at quarterback when the Raiders host the Jaguars on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

Coach Antonio Pierce said Friday morning O’Connell had a few good days of practice and would return as long as things went well later in the day. O’Connell missed Monday’s game against the Falcons with a knee injury.

“He looked like he was good to go (Thursday) and looking for another good day (Friday),” Pierce said. “Should be good to go on Sunday.”

There could be a shake-up in front of O’Connell. Starting left guard Jordan Meredith is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury and expected to miss the game.

Pierce said the plan is for Andre James to return to the starting lineup at center and have rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson move to left guard.

It will be the first snaps on offense for James since leaving the Week 8 game against the Chiefs with an ankle injury.

Cornerback Sam Webb has been limited in practice all week with a back injury and was unable to go Friday because of an illness. He is listed as questionable.

Cornerback Nate Hobbs and linebacker Kana’i Mauga also missed Friday’s practice with an illness and are listed as questionable.

Chaisson ready for reunion

Defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson paused and flashed a smile when asked how important Sunday’s game will be to him, perhaps to contemplate just how strong of an answer to give.

“It means a lot for sure,” he eventually said.

Chaisson was a first-round pick of the Jaguars in 2020, but never delivered the production to match his immense talent and lofty draft status.

The team declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent in the offseason after recording five sacks in four seasons. He was released by the Panthers in training camp and has found a home with the Raiders.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said he couldn’t speak on what went wrong in Jacksonville, but that he had been wanting to coach Chaisson since meeting him during the draft process.

“What I’ve encountered and what I knew about from the process, smart player who wants to do right,” Graham said. “He’s done everything I’ve asked him to. I couldn’t be happier with how he’s progressed for us.”

Chaisson expressed gratitude for his time with the Jaguars and took some accountability for his early struggles.

“Obviously maturity plays a huge factor,” he said of the strides he has taken with the Raiders. “When you come into the league, you’re wide-eyed and wet behind the ears. Sometimes there are things you feel like should easily just carry over to the next level, and they just don’t.”

Still, he wants to show the Jaguars that they made a mistake letting him go.

“It’s definitely not like playing a brother,” he said. “Between the lines, it’s war time. There’s respect for the guys over there. I have friends I still talk to. Regardless of everything, I’m super appreciative of that organization.”

Changes afoot

The Raiders will make changes to the punt unit after what Pierce called a “bad day at the office” against the Falcons.

One of AJ Cole’s punts was blocked and another was deflected on a similar rush, causing the ball to travel just 30 yards.

While there were other issues on special teams, such as having 10 men on the field for an extra point that was blocked and calling for a fair catch inside the 5-yard line that led to a safety, the punt protection was a glaring problem.

Pierce expressed confidence the group will turn things around Sunday.

“Little personnel changes, getting the groove back and getting the confidence back in them,” he said. “It’s a good group. Our punt team has been one of our better units all year, and they had a bad game. Some miscommunication there, and we’ll make some personnel changes and expect to have a great day.”

Chris Smith II could be replaced as the personal protector among the possible changes.

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.