Quarterback injuries have dominated headlines early in the 2026 NFL season, with six starters sidelined between training camp and Week 2. While many of those setbacks appear temporary and unlikely to completely derail teams’ seasons, a couple of situations are genuinely worrisome.
New York Giants — Jaxson Dart (knee)
If Dart’s knee damage proves season-ending, the Giants’ outlook darkens considerably. Jameis Winston, who relieved Dart against the Rams, lacks Dart’s mobility and has shown declining arm strength and turnover concerns, which should limit New York’s ceiling. The team was 0-5 in games without Dart since drafting him, so with Winston nominally running the offense, the Giants look set to slip toward the bottom of the league — which could, at least, yield another high draft pick for 2027, though this year had been expected to be a breakout campaign.
Chicago Bears — Caleb Williams (hamstring), Tyson Bagent (concussion)
Williams’ hamstring initially raised fears of a long absence, but he’s now considered week-to-week and could be available quickly; bringing him back immediately would still be risky. With Bagent sidelined by a concussion, Chicago might even need to turn to its third-stringer for an upcoming game. If Williams misses only one contest, the Bears are likely to be roughly 1-2 on his return and still very much in playoff contention — their offense is potent enough to string together wins once he’s back.
Washington Commanders — Jayden Daniels (dislocated elbow)
Daniels’ dislocated elbow is the same injury he suffered late last season, and the recurrence raises serious concerns about his durability. With a tough slate coming — including several strong NFC West opponents and an Eagles rematch — Washington could struggle to win enough games without him, particularly since the defense has been poor through two weeks. The team looks at risk of another losing season if Daniels can’t stay healthy.
Seattle Seahawks — Sam Darnold (glute)
Drew Lock stepped in admirably, spearheading a convincing road win and following up with a three-touchdown performance, suggesting Seattle can sustain success with their backup. Coach Mike Macdonald expected Darnold to begin practicing soon; if he’s back by Week 4 at the latest (or sooner), the Seahawks should remain legitimate Super Bowl contenders given their offensive balance and early momentum.
Minnesota Vikings — Kyler Murray (concussion)
Murray’s concussion from the opener seemed severe, but he cleared protocol and is set to return in Week 3, meaning only a one-game absence. With the Vikings 2-0 thanks to Carson Wentz’s steadiness in relief and a favorable early schedule, Minnesota is in position to contend for the NFC North if Murray resumes the level of play they hoped for when signing him.
Atlanta Falcons — Michael Penix Jr. (recovered from torn ACL), Tua Tagovailoa (oblique)
After ugly losses to open the season and a poor showing from Cooper Rush, Atlanta will turn to Penix, who is now cleared to start in Week 3 despite an extensive injury history. Tagovailoa has returned to full practice and is expected to be the backup if healthy. Even so, Penix’s track record as a starter has been mixed, and the Falcons need him to take a big step forward to erase an 0-2 start and push the team above .500; if he falters or gets hurt again, the outlook is grim.
Fan Take: These QB injuries matter because they can instantly reshape playoff races, draft positioning and team strategies, making depth and medical management as crucial as on-field talent. For fans, the early attrition is a reminder that the NFL’s competitive landscape can change overnight — and it puts a brighter spotlight on backups, roster construction and how teams respond to adversity.
Source: www.cbssports.com
