• Injuries to starting quarterbacks are shaking up the NFL playoff picture just two weeks into the 2025 season.
• High-profile QBs like Joe Burrow, J.J. McCarthy, and Justin Fields are sidelined, forcing teams to rely on NFL backup quarterbacks.
• Teams like the 49ers, Bengals, and Vikings are finding success with their backups, proving their critical role.
• The backup quarterback position demands constant readiness, despite limited practice and game time.
• NFL trends show fewer quarterbacks are playing full seasons, highlighting the growing importance of reliable backups.

A Rough Start to the NFL Season

The NFL season is barely underway, and already, the quarterback position—arguably the most pivotal in sports—is under siege. Just two weeks into the 2025 season, injuries to star quarterbacks are forcing teams to pivot to their NFL backup quarterbacks, testing their depth and resilience. 

As a lifelong football fan who’s watched countless seasons unfold, I know how quickly a team’s fortunes can hinge on the guy under center. Right now, nearly one in six NFL teams is grappling with an injured starting QB, and the ripple effects could reshape the playoff race.

The Injury Toll: Who’s Out and What’s at Stake

The injury bug has hit hard and fast this year, sidelining some of the league’s biggest names:

• Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): The star QB, who led the league in passing yards and touchdowns last season, is out for up to three months after surgery for a left toe injury. His absence leaves a massive void for a Bengals team expected to finish second in the AFC North, per FanDuel odds.
• J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings): A high ankle sprain will keep the first-round draft pick out for two to four weeks. The Vikings, who had high hopes for McCarthy after letting backup Sam Darnold go in free agency, now turn to veteran Carson Wentz.
• Justin Fields (New York Jets): A concussion will sideline Fields for at least this week’s game, leaving the Jets scrambling to stay competitive.
• Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders): The reigning offensive rookie of the year is nursing a sprained knee, with his status uncertain. Daniels was instrumental in leading Washington to its first conference final since 1992.
• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy, who signed a $265 million contract this offseason, is questionable with toe and shoulder injuries but has “a chance” to play, per coach Kyle Shanahan.

These aren’t just any players—they’re franchise cornerstones for teams with serious playoff aspirations. 

The 49ers were favored to win their division, while the Bengals and Commanders were pegged as strong contenders. Losing these stars early could derail their seasons, but it’s also a chance for NFL backup quarterbacks to shine.

Read also: NFL Quarterback Rankings: Top Performers After Week 2 of the 2025 Season

Backup QBs: The Unsung Heroes

The NFL is no stranger to NFL backup quarterbacks stepping into the spotlight. Think of it like being the understudy in a Broadway show—you rehearse endlessly, but you never know when you’ll get the call. When it comes, you’ve got to deliver. This season, we’re seeing that dynamic play out in real time.

Take the San Francisco 49ers, for example. Without Purdy last week, they turned to Mac Jones, a former first-round pick who’s had a rocky NFL journey. Under Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system, Jones threw three touchdowns in a win over New Orleans, tying his career high. His teammate Nick Bosa raved about his “fun energy” and “swagger,” noting how it energized the offense. It’s a reminder that a good system and a confident backup can keep a team on track.

In Cincinnati, Jake Browning stepped in for Burrow and, despite throwing three interceptions, led a game-winning drive to keep the Bengals at 2-0. It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done—a testament to the grit required of a backup.

The Minnesota Vikings have been here before. Last year, when McCarthy went down in the preseason, Sam Darnold stepped up and led the team to a 14-3 record. Now, with McCarthy sidelined again, Carson Wentz gets his shot. Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick, has started for five different teams in as many years, proving that experience as a backup can be a lifeline for a franchise.

The Backup QB Life: Always Ready, Rarely Seen

Being a backup quarterback isn’t glamorous. You’re often in the shadows, studying the playbook, watching film, and visualizing plays without the luxury of real game reps. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III once described backups as the glue between the starter and the team, mastering the playbook despite limited practice time.

Jordan Palmer, a former backup turned QB coach who’s worked with stars like Burrow and Patrick Mahomes, puts it perfectly: “The hardest part of being a backup quarterback is staying ready without the live reps. 

You live on tape. You obsess over installs. You visualize your decision-making every day as if you’re starting.” That preparation is critical because, as Palmer notes, “there’s no time to warm up” when the moment arrives.

The numbers back this up. According to Stathead, only nine quarterbacks started all 17 games in the 2023 season, down from 20 in 2012 (when the season was one game shorter). 

Last year saw a slight uptick, with 14 QBs starting every game, but that still left 47 quarterbacks seeing action. Injuries are part of the game, and backups are no longer just “insurance policies”—they’re game-changers.

What This Means for the Playoff Picture

The early injuries could shake up the postseason race. The Bengals, Commanders, and 49ers were all projected as playoff teams, but their success now hinges on how well their backups perform. 

A three-month absence for Burrow could sink Cincinnati’s chances in the competitive AFC North. Washington’s hopes rest on Daniels’ recovery timeline, while San Francisco’s depth is being tested early.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Teams like the Vikings have shown that a capable backup can keep a season alive. Darnold’s 2024 performance is proof, and Wentz’s experience could steady the ship. 

The 49ers, meanwhile, are leaning on Shanahan’s system to keep Jones effective. These stories remind us that the NFL is as much about adaptability as it is about star power.

Final Thoughts: The Heartbeat of a Team

As a fan who’s watched quarterbacks come and go, I’ve seen how a single injury can change a season’s trajectory. But I’ve also seen backups rise to the occasion, turning potential disasters into inspiring stories. 

The 2025 season is only two weeks old, but it’s already teaching us that the backup quarterback isn’t just a placeholder—they’re the heartbeat of a team when the starter goes down. Whether it’s Mac Jones finding his groove in San Francisco or Jake Browning pulling off a clutch drive in Cincinnati, these players remind us why football is so unpredictable and thrilling. Here’s to the unsung heroes keeping their teams’ playoff dreams alive.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.