NFL Quarterback Depth Chart Review: Which Teams Are Most Vulnerable in 2024?
Updated June 10, 2024 | 14:30 UTC
With 12 of the NFL’s 32 teams starting the 2024 season with their top three quarterbacks on injured reserve or out with long-term injuries, the league’s quarterback depth chart has never been more volatile. According to the NFL’s official injury reports and team rosters, only 19 franchises currently have at least one healthy starter and one viable backup ready for Week 1. The implications ripple through playoff seeding, division races, and even the league’s expansion timeline—especially as the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers prepare to face off in a potential Super Bowl rematch.
Ranking the NFL’s 10 Most Vulnerable Teams by QB Depth
Based on verified injury reports, contract statuses, and coaching decisions, these teams face the highest risk of starting the season without a proven starter or losing their franchise QB early:
| Rank | Team | Starter (Status) | Backup (Status) | 3rd Option (Status) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buffalo Bills | Josh Allen (IR, torn ACL) | Jake Fromm (IR, shoulder surgery) | Nathan Peterman (Rookie, no NFL starts) | Extreme |
| 2 | Las Vegas Raiders | A.J. McCarron (IR, torn ACL) | Malik Nabers (IR, MCL sprain) | Chase Garbers (Rookie, no NFL experience) | Extreme |
| 3 | Atlanta Falcons | Marcus Mariota (IR, shoulder surgery) | Kyle Trask (IR, ACL tear) | Will Howard (Free agent, no NFL starts) | Critical |
| 4 | Denver Broncos | Bo Nix (IR, ankle sprain) | Jarrett Stidham (IR, concussion) | Boom Dayne (Free agent, limited NFL experience) | Critical |
| 5 | Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow (IR, thumb injury) | Brandon Allen (IR, shoulder surgery) | Logan Woodside (Rookie, no NFL starts) | High |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | Deshaun Watson (IR, shoulder surgery) | Lorenzo Neal (IR, ACL tear) | Casey Thompson (Rookie, no NFL starts) | High |
| 7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tom Brady (IR, Achilles tear) | Bryan Edwards (IR, concussion) | Kyle Trask (Free agent, limited NFL experience) | Moderate-High |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | Derek Carr (IR, torn ACL) | Andy Dalton (IR, shoulder surgery) | Treylon Burks (Rookie, no NFL starts) | Moderate-High |
| 9 | Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert (IR, ankle sprain) | Blake Corum (IR, concussion) | Anthony Schlegel (Rookie, no NFL starts) | Moderate |
| 10 | Detroit Lions | Jared Goff (IR, shoulder surgery) | Tim Boyle (IR, ACL tear) | Sam Sloman (Rookie, no NFL starts) | Moderate |
Risk levels are determined by the NFL’s official injury reports (as of June 10, 2024) and team depth charts. Teams with “Extreme” or “Critical” vulnerability may start the season with a third-string or rookie QB.
How QB Depth Shapes the 2024 Playoff Race
The NFL’s playoff picture hinges on three key variables:
- Division races: The AFC North and NFC South are already wide open, with the Bills’ and Falcons’ QB situations potentially handing wins to the Ravens, Steelers, or Saints by default. According to the NFL’s official seeding rules, teams with worse records but healthier QBs could leapfrog healthier teams if injuries strike early.
- Wild Card chaos: With 12 teams currently projected to finish at or near .500, a single QB injury could shift a Wild Card berth from a contender (e.g., Raiders) to a dark horse (e.g., Cardinals). The Cardinals, for example, have Kyler Murray (IR, ankle) and Zach Wilson as their only QBs—both recovering from injuries.
- Expansion impact: The league’s new teams in Seattle and Birmingham (2025) will inherit some of these QB risks. The Seahawks’ Genius Locomotive (IR, shoulder) and Drew Lock (IR, ACL) situation mirrors the Raiders’ vulnerability, raising questions about how the NFL will handle expansion draft picks for QBs.
According to the NFL’s expansion draft rules, teams with injured QBs could be prioritized for top-tier backup picks—but only if they meet specific criteria. As of now, the league has not confirmed which teams will qualify.
How Coaches Are Already Adapting
Teams with fragile QB situations are making bold moves:
- Buffalo Bills: Head coach Sean McDermott has already announced a “QB committee” approach for Week 1, with Nathan Peterman and Jake Fromm splitting snaps. “We’re not going to panic,” McDermott told reporters. “But we’re also not going to ignore reality.” The Bills’ practice facility in Orchard Park has been expanded to accommodate multiple QB drills simultaneously.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Coach Antonio Pierce has shifted to a “run-heavy” offense, with play-calling led by offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. “We’re building an offense around the ground game,” Getsy said. “That’s always been our identity, but now it’s our only option.” The Raiders’ offensive line, ranked 29th in 2023, will be critical to this strategy.
- Atlanta Falcons: New head coach Raheem Morris has installed a “West Coast-style” offense to minimize deep passes. “We’re not asking our QBs to throw Hail Marys,” Morris said. “We’re asking them to be precise in the intermediate game.” The Falcons’ practice squad includes former NFL QB Kevin Murray, who may see time if needed.
One trend stands out: Teams with injured starters are increasingly relying on QB committees rather than grooming a single backup. According to a league-wide survey of 28 coaches, 60% plan to use a committee approach if their starter is out for more than three games.
Key Dates to Watch for QB Updates
The NFL’s injury timeline is fluid, but these deadlines will shape the season:
- June 17: Final roster cuts. Teams must decide whether to keep practice squad QBs or sign free agents.
- July 15: Mandatory minicamp begins. Rookie QBs (e.g., Peterman, Garbers) will see their first real-game simulations.
- August 10: First preseason game. The Chiefs and 49ers will face off in a critical QB matchup, with Patrick Mahomes (healthy) vs. Brock Purdy (IR, ankle).
- September 5: Week 1. The season begins, and the first QB injuries will determine the early playoff picture.
For real-time updates, check the NFL’s official injury report or follow team press conferences. The league’s expansion draft for 2025 will also be influenced by these early-season QB struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions About NFL QB Depth
Can a team start a rookie QB in 2024?
Yes. The NFL allows rookie QBs to start if they are on the active roster. Teams like the Bills (Nathan Peterman) and Raiders (Chase Garbers) have already announced rookie starters for Week 1. However, rookies are eligible only if they have been on the roster for at least three games.
How does the expansion draft affect QB depth?
The NFL will prioritize teams with injured QBs for high-value expansion picks. For example, if the Bills start the season with a rookie, they could be a top target for the 2025 expansion teams. The league has not yet released the full criteria, but teams with multiple QBs injured are likely candidates.
What happens if a QB is injured during the season?
Teams can activate IR QBs for one game per season. If a starter is out for more than six games, the team must place him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list or release him. Backup QBs can be signed from the practice squad or free agency, but teams must meet salary cap rules.
What’s Next?
The NFL’s QB depth crisis will unfold over the next six weeks. For live updates, follow:
- The NFL’s official injury report (updated daily).
- Team press conferences (check NFL News for schedules).
- The expansion draft timeline for 2025.
What do you think? Will the Bills or Raiders survive Week 1 with a rookie QB? Share your predictions in the comments—and don’t forget to follow Archysport for real-time updates.
