Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has confirmed Gardner Minshew will open the season as the team's starting quarterback. 

Minshew, who joined the Raiders as a free agent during the offseason, has been given the nod over Aidan O'Connell for the starting spot. 

The 28-year-old nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs last year having taken over from rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson just four games into the season. 

He went 7-6 as a starter, completing 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

When asked about the decision, Pierce said that Minshew's experience and his handling of the offense ultimately gave him the edge over O'Connell. 

"A lot of things went into it," Pierce said. "It wasn't based off of [solely] last night. There are a lot of factors.

"So, we feel like Gardner gives us the best opportunity to get off to a fast start, and that's what we're going with.

"We support him, our team's behind it, our staff's behind it, the organisation's behind it."

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Minshew completed 10 of 21 passes for 95 yards against the Dallas Cowboys at the weekend, while O'Connell was 14 of 20 for 96 yards with a touchdown and an interception. 

And while Minshew has the starting spot for now, Pierce said that he may not have it for the duration of the season. 

"I told them both just be ready," Pierce said.

"In the National Football League, you never know. Aidan is a young player that has tremendous upside and I think will be a starter at some point in this league, whether it's this year or next year.

"But he will play in games. I think Gardner's done a good job of being that older presence."