NFL team makes huge change at quarterback as starter is benched and replaced by his back-up

Quarterback Aidan O'Connell will start for the Las Vegas Raiders when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending Gardner Minshew to the bench. 

On Wednesday, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce announced the change after the team's most recent loss against Denver. The Raiders hold a 2-3 record with wins over Baltimore and Cleveland.

Speaking in a press conference, Pierce was asked about the starting quarterback and answered: 'Yes sir, Aidan O'Connell.'

'There was a quarterback battle early on,' he added. '[Gardner] started five games and at this point, I think it's best to go with Aidan moving forward.' 

O'Connell has seen the field twice this season in losses to the Panthers and the Broncos. He completed 19 of 32 passes for 176 yards, a touchdown and an interception. In his few minutes, the second-year player was sacked twice. 

On the other hand, Minshew completed 99 of 140 attempts for 1,014 yards and just four touchdowns. He was intercepted five times and was on the receiving end of 15 sacks to start the season. 

When asked if the switch is concrete for the rest of the season or a trial process, Pierce left the door open to changing things on the fly. 

'I don't plan on making switches any time,' the coach said. 'When it's time to make a switch, we make a switch.'

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