Backup QBs Pushed Into Action as Injuries Hit Six NFL Teams Early

Injuries to starters including Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels have forced nearly a fifth of the league to turn to backup quarterbacks two weeks into the 2026 season.

Two weeks into the 2026 NFL season, injuries have already sidelined starting quarterbacks on six teams. Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks went down first, hurting his hip against the New England Patriots on Opening Night, with Drew Lock stepping in to lead the defending champions to a comeback win.

Minnesota's Kyler Murray left his Vikings debut in Week 1 with a concussion. Week 2 brought further losses: Chicago's Caleb Williams and Washington's Jayden Daniels, the first two picks of the 2024 draft, were both injured, as was the Giants' Jaxson Dart, who has since been ruled out for the season.

The Atlanta Falcons opened the year with Cooper Rush under center while Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. were unavailable. Rush started the first two games as Atlanta fell to 0-2, and Michael Penix Jr. has since been named the Week 3 starter. Rookie Jack Strand, who took over for Rush in Week 2, threw an interception returned for a touchdown on his first NFL pass.

In New York, veteran Jameis Winston takes over at quarterback following Dart's season-ending injury. Winston has 89 career starts but a long turnover history, with 114 interceptions and 27 lost fumbles across 109 games. Chicago turns to Tyson Bagent, who replaced Williams late in Sunday's game, though Bagent's own concussion could open the door for Case Keenum's first start since 2023.

Backup play has already shaped recent seasons elsewhere. Mac Jones helped the 49ers stay competitive when Brock Purdy missed nearly half of 2025, and Davis Mills went 3-0 filling in for C.J. Stroud, while Kansas City struggled after Patrick Mahomes' injury led to Gardner Minshew and later Chris Oladokun playing.