Raiders training camp: QB competition highlights opening day

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Wednesday marked the first day of training camp for the Raiders, who will spend the next 16 days at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex before the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

While the team is focused on bonding and creating chemistry during the next two weeks, there will be plenty of competition amongst teammates, with all eyes on the quarterbacks.

QB competition

Aidan O’Connell, entering his second year with the team, was the first to take snaps under center during 11-on-11 drills. However, Gardner Minshew, entering his first season with the Silver and Black, split reps with him.

O’Connell is aware that even though he got the first reps, it does not ensure the starting spot.

”I’ve got to go earn it everyday," O'Connell said. "And it truly is everyday.

"It’s a ‘what have you done for me lately’ kind of business so it’s important to come out here with the mentality that I’ve got to earn it."

While in the middle of a competition, Minshew is content being out of the Nevada sun.

“Dude, you can’t help but to smile out here,” Minshew said. “It feels so nice. The sun’s shining. I couldn’t ask for more right now.”

But Minshew, a Pro Bowl alternate last season, knows he can’t bask in the California sun all day.

”Nobody really gives a crap what you did on your last team," he said. "You’ve gotta come earn it here.”

While everyone is focused on the quarterbacks, star wideout Davante Adams says the two are making each other better and promoting competition throughout the team.

”They’re not even battling each other," Adams said. "it’s Aidan vs Aidan. Gardner vs Gardner.

"Each position group is going out there trying to put together the best tape. Coaches are evaluating who’s looking the best and at what point and we’ll go from there.”

Leading by example

Minshew added there are “some great leaders on the team” and Adams has been leading the team by example, mostly because of his comfort in Luke Getsy’s offense after playing for him in Green Bay in 2021.

”It kinda feels a little bit more like the Green Bay years because I’m back in that offense with Luke (Getsy) now,” Adams said. “I’ve retained, basically, like 85% of this offense from when I played back in '21.

"Having that familiarity helps, it relaxes you a little bit. I'm not stressing as much you know, I’m not looking at my notebook right before we run out on the field. I can kind of just focus on getting my body right.” 

Adams said having familiarity with the offense also allows him to guide his teammates in the right direction.

The other side of the ball, the pass rush in particular, was the group that led the Raiders at the end of last season.

”We’ve got a defense that finished the year as hot as anybody,” Minshew said.

With the addition of Christian Wilkins in free agency, the front four looks to pick back up where it left off.

”Christian’s been awesome," defensive end Maxx Crosby defensive end. "Great energy and works his a** off.

"That’s the type of people I want to be around."

Roster moves

Following the unexpected retirement of wide receiver Michael Gallup on Tuesday, the Raiders re-signed receiver Keelan Doss, who played for the Raiders from 2019-2020. The UC Davis alum last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023.

The Raiders also signed OL Corey Luciano, who spent time with the San Francisco 49ers last season. The team waived injured G Jake Johanning.