Backup quarterback starters
Seven NFL teams are turning to backup quarterbacks or unexpected starters for Week 9 amid a wave of injuries and coaching decisions, as.com reported.
Over a hundred fifty million dollars sidelined
The financial impact of these injuries totals roughly $150.38 million in 2026 salary cap charges for six sidelined starting quarterbacks, according to Over The Cap records cited by as.com.
Baltimore turns to Joe Fagnano
The Baltimore Ravens host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday with rookie Joe Fagnano stepping in after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Jackson sustained a right thumb injury against Buffalo requiring surgery, while Huntley is sidelined with a toe injury, as.com reported.
Vikings to start QB Carson Wentz on MNF in Week 9 vs. Bills. (via @AdamSchefter + @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/leCBEKQ7xR
Fagnano entered the Buffalo game without preparation and completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with an interception and a fumble, according to as.com. He now leads a 5-2 Jaguars matchup.
Carson Wentz takes over in Minnesota
In Minnesota, Carson Wentz assumes the starting role against Buffalo after Kyler Murray suffered a hamstring strain. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell ruled Murray out on a week-to-week basis, setting up a clash between 6-1 squads, as.com reported.
Gardner Minshew earns Arizona nod
Gardner Minshew takes over the Arizona offense following a 33-30 overtime win against Dallas where he threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns after replacing Jacoby Brissett. Coach or team staff moved Brissett to third string, with Carson Beck backing up Minshew, as.com reported.
Drew Lock steps in for Seattle
Seattle turns to Drew Lock against Arizona after Sam Darnold suffered a quadriceps injury and a cracked rib against Chicago. Coach Mike Macdonald ruled Darnold out for Sunday, forcing Lock back into the lineup, as.com reported.
Joe Milton III gets the call in Philadelphia
Philadelphia coach or team leadership tapped Joe Milton III over Tanner McKee as the Eagles seek to halt a six-game skid. Milton arrives from the Dallas practice squad to replace McKee, who started three games after Jalen Hurts went down with a blood clot, as.com reported.
J.J. McCarthy anchors Giants
The New York Giants lean on J.J. McCarthy after acquiring him from Minnesota following a season-ending knee injury to Jaxson Dart. Coach or team leadership opted for McCarthy over Jameis Winston starting in Week 7, retaining the job against Philadelphia after beating Houston, as.com reported.
Shedeur Sanders prepares in Cleveland
Cleveland prepares Shedeur Sanders to start against New Orleans if Deshaun Watson fails to clear the concussion protocol following a head hit against Pittsburgh, as.com reported.
Salary cap figures for sidelined starters
Over The Cap figures detailed by as.com outline the 2026 cap hits for the six injured starters:
- Deshaun Watson (Cleveland): $40.96 million
- Sam Darnold (Seattle): $37.90 million
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore): $34.39 million
- Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia): $31.97 million
- Jaxson Dart (NY Giants): $3.86 million
- Kyler Murray (Minnesota): $1.30 million
Total sidelined starter cap impact: $150.38 million, as.com reported.
Kickoffs begin this Thursday with player availability pending
Kickoffs begin across the league this Thursday with Baltimore facing Jacksonville, leaving the availability of players like Deshaun Watson pending clearance from the concussion protocol before Sunday, according to as.com reports.
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