For every NFL team, there is always an expected starter come Week 1. These players range from top young draft picks (like Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams) to longtime veterans (like New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers). However, injuries and poor performance have led to an increase in the attention to backup Quarterbacks for around eleven teams.

Minnesota Vikings first-round Draft pick in 2024, J.J. McCarthy, tore his meniscus, leading to veteran Sam Darnold starting in his place. Then, Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a preseason calf injury, leading to Justin Fields taking over. 

After a dismal first two weeks, the top pick in the 2023 Draft, Bryce Young, was benched by the Carolina Panthers in favor of Andy Dalton. Having Young’s benching be so early likely led to Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson, Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson, New England Patriots Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Gardner Minshew, and Tennessee Titans Quarterback Will Levis’ jobs being questioned. As of the start of Week 6, only Minshew and Brissett have been benched for performance reasons in favor of Aiden O’Connell and 2024 third-overall pick Drake Maye. Richardson, Levis, and Watson have been more fortunate, but there have been calls from fans for Joe Flacco, Mason Rudolph, and Jameis Winston to start for their respective teams. 

Beyond performance, the injury bug has hit Quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins (concussion), Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts (oblique), and Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints. Tagovailoa was sat down for Skylar Thompson (who suffered a rib injury), and Tim Boyle (who was benched for Tyler Huntley who himself also faced questions). Flacco subbed in for Richardson, and Jake Haener subbed in for Derek Carr mid-game, but was beaten out by rookie Spencer Rattler for Week 6.

For those who are counting, that’s four performance benchings (including Boyle) and five injuries (including Thompson) just at the quarterback position. That means that nine backup quarterbacks have started this year (including one third-string). Easton Stick finished a Week 3 game for Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert as well.

With the season still in its early stages, time will tell who else will take over.