Aidan O'Connell Announced Death of His Father
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback has been absent from team practices for one week following his father's passing.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell has announced the death of his father. The fourth-year professional has been away from the team for one week, causing him to miss a recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Why it matters
The team's depth chart is impacted by O'Connell's absence, leaving the Raiders to navigate their current professional season without his availability. His status regarding a return to practice remains unclear.
Aidan O'Connell has recorded 17 starts across 21 total professional appearances. He is currently in his fourth season in the league and has missed one week of practice due to his personal loss.
The players
Aidan O'Connell
He is a quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders currently in his fourth professional season.
Jim O'Connell
He is the father of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell.
The details
O'Connell shared the news regarding his father, Jim O'Connell, through an Instagram post. As a result of his absence, he was unavailable for the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: O'Connell missed the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
September 2026: Aidan O'Connell announced the death of his father.
Season Trajectory
This absence forces the Raiders to rely on their remaining quarterback depth while managing the disruption to their starter's schedule. The team must now adjust its rotation during a critical stretch of the regular season.
With O'Connell sidelined, the team faces immediate roster adjustments for upcoming game preparations. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the team's depth chart involving other quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza.
The takeaway
Families often face difficult balancing acts between professional responsibilities and personal loss. Respecting the privacy of those navigating such transitions remains a common standard in the professional sports community.
Further reading
For more updates on team rosters and player availability, visit Football.
