All articles tagged with #backup quarterbacks
Sports Illustrated ranks 32 NFL backup QBs for 2026, led by Joe Flacco at No. 1, with Mac Jones No. 2, Tua Tagovailoa No. 3, Jameis Winston No. 4, and rookie Fernando Mendoza No. 5, while noting new entrants and ongoing QB battles across teams.
The Jets traded Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2027 sixth-round pick, signaling a full revamp of their quarterback room behind Geno Smith. The article outlines five veteran backup options—Tyrod Taylor, Andy Dalton, Carson Wentz, Russell Wilson, and Will Levis—that could fit behind Smith, each with caveats about health, age, or medicals.
Lamar Jackson is out for the Ravens due to a back injury, and Jordan Love is also inactive for the Packers, leading both teams to play with their backups in a game that features multiple injury-related absences.
Jordan Love will miss the Packers' game against the Ravens, leading to Malik Willis likely starting for Green Bay, while Lamar Jackson's status remains doubtful for Baltimore, setting up a critical matchup with playoff implications.
Due to injuries and team eliminations, several NFL teams playing on Christmas Day will start relatively unknown backup quarterbacks, including Chris Oladokun for the Chiefs, Josh Johnson for the Commanders, and Max Brosmer for the Vikings, as star quarterbacks are sidelined.
The Cincinnati Bengals face a significant challenge with their backup quarterback Jake Browning struggling after Joe Burrow's injury, prompting speculation about acquiring veteran quarterbacks like Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston from the Giants before the trade deadline to improve their chances of winning upcoming games.
Five NFL teams will start backup quarterbacks this weekend due to injuries to their starters, including notable players like Joe Burrow and Brock Purdy, highlighting the physical toll of football despite protections. The NFL continues to prioritize expanding the season and teams despite these injuries, emphasizing the sport's popularity regardless of player availability.
Several NFL teams are already relying on backup quarterbacks due to injuries to starters, which could impact their playoff chances. Notable teams like the Bengals, Commanders, 49ers, and Vikings have experienced or may experience significant quarterback injuries, but some backups have stepped up effectively, highlighting the importance and unpredictability of backup QBs in the league.
Mason Rudolph will become the 58th starting quarterback in the NFL this season when he starts for the Steelers against the Bengals. The high number of different starting quarterbacks highlights the frequency with which teams have to rely on their backups due to injuries. The performance of these backups can make or break a team's playoff chances. With more injuries expected in Week 16 and beyond, the number of starting quarterbacks is likely to increase. Ultimately, the season may see a total of 64 starting quarterbacks, showcasing the challenges of backup quarterback play, which often results in subpar football.
The importance of backup quarterbacks in the NFL has been highlighted this season as several teams have relied on their second-string QBs to keep their playoff hopes alive. The criteria for selecting a backup quarterback varies from team to team, with factors such as processing ability, accuracy, and physical skills being considered. The role of the backup QB goes beyond on-field performance, as their presence can contribute to team-building and provide valuable support to the starting quarterback. This season may prompt teams to reevaluate how they value and evaluate the backup quarterback position.
The Seattle Seahawks have elevated quarterback Sean Mannion and safety Ty Okada from the practice squad due to potential injury issues with Geno Smith and Jamal Adams. Both teams, the Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles, may be starting their backup quarterbacks in their Monday night matchup.
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis suffered an ankle injury in their overtime loss to the Houston Texans, leaving his availability for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks uncertain. With the Titans already eliminated from playoff contention, head coach Mike Vrabel may have to decide how to approach the rest of the season. If Levis is unable to play, the Titans' options at quarterback would be Ryan Tannehill, who has struggled recently, or Malik Willis, who has limited experience. The Seahawks could potentially face backup quarterbacks in their next two games if Levis, Pittsburgh Steelers' Kenny Pickett, and Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts are unable to play.
Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts has been downgraded to questionable for their game against the Seattle Seahawks due to an illness. Hurts missed practice on Saturday and is still not feeling well. As a precaution, he will travel separately to Seattle to avoid getting his teammates sick. If Hurts is unable to play, veteran backup Marcus Mariota will step in. The Seahawks' starting quarterback, Geno Smith, is also listed as questionable with a groin injury.
In Week 14 of the NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers, facing the Dallas Cowboys in a crucial NFC East matchup. The Buffalo Bills, once considered Super Bowl contenders, are in a must-win situation as they take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Several teams are relying on backup quarterbacks due to injuries, highlighting the importance of quarterback depth. The playoff picture is still wide open, with teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons making a push, while the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns are trending downward. Lastly, Zach Wilson gets another chance as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets, hoping to salvage a disappointing season.
Florida State University (FSU) has released its uniform combination for the upcoming rivalry game against the Florida Gators. The game holds high stakes for both teams, with FSU aiming to maintain its pursuit of a playoff spot and Florida seeking bowl eligibility. This will be the second matchup between FSU head coach Mike Norvell and UF head coach Billy Napier, with FSU winning last year's high-scoring game. The 67th meeting will feature backup quarterbacks due to injuries. FSU's uniform combination will be white on gold with gold helmets.