Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell announces father’s death

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell shared the news of his father Jim’s passing on an Instagram post late Thursday.

O’Connell has not practiced in a week with what was described as personal reasons and missed the Raiders victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

“My dad was a gift to me and to so many others,” O’Connell wrote. “All who were fortunate enough to know him can testify to the great man he was. He impacted countless lives and those who knew him were better for it.”

It’s not clear when O’Connell will return to the team.

“Rest in peace, Dad,” he wrote. “We love you and will miss you more than words can say.”

O’Connell is in his fourth season with the Raiders. He has started 17 of the 21 games he has played as a pro, but is currently the team’s third quarterback behind Kirk Cousins and top pick Fernando Mendoza.