Is the 2026 NFL season meant for backups after Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Jaxson Dart, Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa suffer injuries (Image via Getty: Josh Allen)
If starters get injured, backup quarterbacks step in.
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen sustained a hard hit to his left knee during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He is expected to play in the Week 4 game against the New England Patriots. Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray suffered a concussion in the 2026 season opener against the Green Bay Packers. Backup QB Carson Wentz played in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. Murray is healthy now and was cleared to play in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He may not be a 12-team starting play in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, even if injured Justin Jefferson suits up, as per NBC Sports. Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold suffered a unique soft-tissue glute injury in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Backup QB Drew Lock started Week 2. Darnold returned in Week 3’s loss to the Washington Commanders. Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in the Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels missed the Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks. But he is expected to travel to London with the team for the Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield suffered a right thumb dislocation late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams suffered a non-contact Grade 2 hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. He is considered Week-to-Week but is expected to miss multiple games [3 to 4 weeks] while undergoing rehabilitation. Backup QB Case Keenum played in the Week 3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He missed early games, and backup QB Cooper Rush took over as the starter for Week 2. Recovered 2025 starter QB Michael Penix Jr. started for Week 3 win against the Green Bay Packers while Tagovailoa served as the backup QB. New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 2 loss over the Los Angeles Rams. 25. His recovery timeline is 4 to 6 months. Backup QB Jameis Winston started Week 3 and led the Giants to a win over the Tennessee Titans. But as fate would have it, the 2026 NFL season seems to be the season of the backups! Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
If he doesn’t play, backup QB Kyle Allen may have to step up. He was not placed on injured reserve. He is expected to miss at least three weeks. He could practice in a limited capacity. That leaves more time on the gridiron for backup QB Marcus Mariota. MRI showed no ligament or tendon damage. But he is expected to miss multiple games as the dislocation heals. Undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels will start in his place. Or they may look for a veteran elsewhere. He suffered the same injury in college. Atlanta Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during training camp prior to the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was placed on injured reserve. Despite this win, the Giants have traded for Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Keeping track of this would drive anyone crazy. But what a starting quarterback goes through with injury, absence, and recovery is much worse than anybody can imagine. He starts a new season with just one hope: to win the Super Bowl. And then, in the first few games, that hope gets crushed. No amount of cynicism can define it, and no amount of sorrow can fill it. It’s just unimaginable. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
He underwent early knee surgery on Friday, Sept.