Through two weeks, four starting quarterbacks have been injured
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 NFL season has seen four starting quarterbacks injured within the first two weeks, including Seahawks' Sam Darnold, Bears' Caleb Williams, Commanders' Jayden Daniels, and Giants' Jaxson Dart, highlighting ongoing quarterback vulnerability.
- Chicago Bears backup Tyson Bagent also entered concussion protocol, emphasizing the high injury risk quarterbacks face despite limited contact in practice sessions.
- Coaches like Mike Tomlin and Bill Belichick have pointed out that restrictions on padded practices disadvantage offensive linemen, which in turn increases quarterback exposure to hits during games.
- Belichick suggested implementing developmental programs for non-starting offensive linemen to better prepare them for the physical demands of protecting quarterbacks, potentially improving quarterback longevity.
- Despite efforts to protect quarterbacks, the nature of football means that even with strong offensive lines, quarterbacks remain at constant risk of injury, which can dramatically impact a team's success.
