The quarterback position is undeniably the most pivotal role on any NFL team. This past Sunday, five out of the 28 teams playing found themselves starting without their top quarterbacks. This situation raises significant concerns for teams and fans alike as they navigate the challenges of the season.
One of the most notable absences is Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who is currently sidelined indefinitely following toe surgery. Reports suggest he could be out for at least three months. If the Bengals fall out of playoff contention by mid-December, it’s likely that Burrow won’t return for the remainder of the year, which could severely impact the team's performance.
The Washington Commanders are dealing with a similar predicament. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been nursing a knee injury that has remained largely under wraps. After the Commanders’ loss to Green Bay in Week 2, no updates were provided regarding the specifics of his injury. Reports indicate that he underwent an MRI the following day, but the team has maintained silence about his expected absence, leaving fans in the dark.
The Vikings are also feeling the heat as quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a high ankle sprain during their Week 2 loss to Atlanta. His recovery could take up to a month, which places significant pressure on the team as they look to secure wins without their starting player. Meanwhile, Jets quarterback Justin Fields will miss the upcoming game against Tampa Bay after sustaining a concussion in a previous match against the Bills.
The situation isn’t improving for the San Francisco 49ers, as quarterback Brock Purdy is also out due to a toe injury coupled with a shoulder injury sustained in Week 1. This marks his second consecutive missed start, although there’s a possibility he could be available as a backup. In total, five out of 32 starting quarterbacks are unavailable after just two weeks, highlighting the fragility of the position.
Additionally, other quarterbacks are on the injury report, including Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who is dealing with a lingering left thumb issue that required surgery during the preseason. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is coping with a right wrist injury, while Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield is facing complications from toe and foot injuries. Bills quarterback Josh Allen, despite not being listed on the Week 3 injury report, suffered facial bruising from a hit during a game, showcasing the ongoing risks that come with playing in the NFL.
In a sport as physically demanding as football, injuries, especially to quarterbacks, are an unfortunate reality. Even with enhanced protective measures in place, quarterbacks continue to face the risk of injury every time they take a hit. In 2022, the NFL justified controversial roughing-the-passer penalties by claiming they were essential for maintaining quarterback availability, which they believed was linked to viewership ratings. However, the surge in quarterback injuries in 2023 has not significantly impacted viewership, proving that fans remain dedicated regardless of the circumstances.
The enduring popularity of the NFL means that an increase in quarterback injuries is unlikely to deter the league's ambitions to add an 18th game, and eventually a 19th. The appetite for expanding the league by adding more teams remains strong. However, the impact of losing a starting quarterback can be profound and can dramatically alter a team's trajectory. As we move forward, five teams will be relying on their backups, and despite the challenges, fans will continue to tune in to watch every moment of the action.
