Trainers attend to Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) after an apparent injury in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) Trainers attend to Washington Commanders quarterback … more >

Six NFL starting QBs injured in three weeks: Why the league’s backup era Is reshaping football

by · The Washington Times

How many NFL starting quarterbacks are currently sidelined with injuries? Six primary starters across the league have been forced off the field in just the opening weeks of the 2026 season. Alongside historic historical data showing that just 11% of teams starting 0-2 reach the postseason, high-profile injuries to signal-callers like Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams have left franchises scrambling as backups step into the rotation.

An Unprecedented Early-Season Toll

The mounting injuries have tested rosters across the league before the first month of the season has even concluded. In Washington, third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow on the final play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys, leaving backup Marcus Mariota to take over for the foreseeable future.

“It took the air out of the room,” wide receiver Terry McLaurin said of the injury.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn noted the team’s resolve following the diagnosis: “And 0-2 is not where we wanted to be, that’s for sure. But we also are resolute that that’s not where we’re going to be staying… we have enough in the room.”

Around the League: Key Attrition

The quarterback shuffle extends beyond Washington:

  • Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks): Suffered a hip and glute injury on the first drive of the season opener on Sept. 9, leaving Drew Lock to step in.
  • Tua Tagovailoa (Atlanta Falcons): Dealt with an oblique and back injury just days before the opener, leading the Falcons to turn to Cooper Rush.
  • Kyler Murray (Minnesota Vikings): Sustained a concussion in the first quarter of Week 1 and did not return, with Carson Wentz taking over.
  • Caleb Williams: The Bears’ top pick left a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with a hamstring injury, with coach Ben Johnson noting the passer was “in good spirits” as evaluations continued.
  • Jaxson Dart: ESPN reports indicated the Giants quarterback could miss an extended period due to injury, forcing staff to update team plans mid-September.

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Historical Odds and the Road Ahead

Broadcast data highlights the steep climb facing teams that fall behind early. Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, only 11% of squads starting 0-2 have qualified for the postseason, though expansion to a seven-team format in 2021 has bumped that figure closer to 20% in recent seasons. With multiple teams turning to veteran backups and rookies to weather the initial wave of injuries, the coming weeks will test the depth of the league’s most vulnerable rosters.

Read more:

• A stunning early QB injury wave leaves up to 6 teams already turning to backups

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