David Chao, MD
2 min read • October 31, 2023
Posted in
The quarterback position is universally recognized as one of the most pivotal roles in American sports. However, this NFL season has seen an unusually high number of team signal-callers sidelined due to injuries.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones endured a disappointing season following a significant offseason contract. Compounding the issue, Jones missed the team's last two games due to a neck injury, reportedly resulting in weakness in his left arm since Week 5. With Jones receiving clearance for contact and Tyrod Taylor sustaining a rib injury, his return as the Giants' starting quarterback this week appears probable.
New York Giants backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been plagued by unfortunate setbacks. Just when he appears to find his rhythm, he falls victim to an injury, relinquishing control to another quarterback. This time, he has sustained a rib injury that will sideline him for 2-3 weeks. Meanwhile, Taylor's previous experience with a punctured lung, a result of a rib block injection, suggests he will remain out of action until his ribs fully recover.
The Dallas Cowboys' defense has exhibited ferocity this season, claiming their latest victim in Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who sustained a UCL sprain against "America's Team." Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned that Stafford's status is "day-to-day," yet Pro Football Docs anticipate Stafford's absence for the upcoming week, raising the possibility of him being placed on the injured reserve list.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett sustained rib injuries against the Jacksonville Jaguars, likely sidelining him for Thursday's game against the Tennessee Titans. Pickett participated in practice on Monday, albeit in a limited capacity. Video analysis suggests a probable rib cartilage injury occurred as a Jaguars defender's body weight landed on him just before halftime. Unless Pickett chooses a rib-block injection, there's a likelihood of a multi-week absence.
The Cleveland Browns invested $230 million guaranteed in Deshaun Watson two offseasons ago, aiming for an elite starting quarterback. However, since signing the contract, Watson has faced challenges, being either sidelined due to injury or delivering underwhelming performances. This season, he has missed several games due to a subscapular contusion, repeatedly aggravating the injury. To be considered for play this week, he will probably need to complete three consecutive practices. In his absence, backup quarterback P.J. Walker is slated to start against the Seahawks in the upcoming week.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill sustained a right high ankle sprain in Week 6, leading to his expected absence for the third consecutive week. Rookie Will Levis made a notable impact by throwing four touchdowns last week, sparking discussions that Tannehill's tenure as an NFL starting quarterback might be in question.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. As he's not typically identified as a running quarterback, Cousins is anticipated to participate in practice by training camp. To fill the void, the Vikings acquired Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs to complete the remainder of the season.
During the Atlanta Falcons' Week 8 game against the Tennessee Titans, quarterback Desmond Ridder entered concussion protocol. Although he subsequently cleared the protocol, Falcons coach Arthur Smith opted to maintain Taylor Heinicke as the starting quarterback. Smith stated that the decision regarding the starting quarterback for the upcoming game would be announced on Wednesday.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray returned to practice following Week 6 and has been progressively intensifying his training over the past two weeks. The Cardinals, expressing confidence in his recovery, traded Josh Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings. Although listed as doubtful for Week 8, Murray is expected to make his return in Week 9. Despite not being fully recovered from his ACL sprain, he is anticipated to be healthy enough to resume his starting role.
Bears starting quarterback Justin Fields is expected to miss his third straight game with a right thumb dislocation. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will start on Sunday.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson underwent surgery to address a grade 3 AC joint sprain sustained during the Titans game, resulting in his placement on injured reserve. Initially projected to return within 4-8 weeks, the Colts have made the decision to shut him down for the season. Richardson is anticipated to achieve full health by the commencement of training camp. Gardner Minshew will maintain his role as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
On the opening drive of Aaron Rodgers' tenure with the New York Jets, he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, leading to his placement on injured reserve. Initially expected to miss the season, there is optimism that he might make a return if the Jets qualify for the postseason. However, according to the Pro Football Docs, the timeframe suggests that Rodgers may not have sufficient time for a complete recovery from an Achilles tear by the season's end.
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Written by David Chao, MD
