Backup Quarterbacks Step into the Spotlight Early in NFL Season

Backup quarterbacks are taking center stage early in this NFL season as injuries and protocols shuffle starting lineups across the league.

Tyrod Taylor will get the starting nod for the New York Jets, head coach Aaron Glenn announced Wednesday. Taylor replaces Justin Fields, who is currently in the concussion protocol after suffering an injury this past weekend against the Buffalo Bills.

Taylor joins a group of four other backup quarterbacks who will either start or might start in Week 3. Here’s a look at how the quarterback situation is shaping up for four other teams:

– **Minnesota Vikings:** Carson Wentz is stepping in for J.J. McCarthy, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain.

– **San Francisco 49ers:** Mac Jones might start again for Brock Purdy, who is dealing with shoulder and toe injuries. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned there’s a chance Purdy could return to the lineup soon, as Purdy practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday.

– **Washington Commanders:** Jayden Daniels, sidelined with a sprained knee, did not practice Wednesday as he prepares for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Washington head coach Dan Quinn stated that Daniels must practice this week in order to be cleared to play. Backup Marcus Mariota remains available if needed.

– **Cincinnati Bengals:** Jake Browning is expected to be the starter for the next three months, replacing Joe Burrow, who is recovering from turf toe.

“We’re looking at five [backup] quarterbacks potentially that could be out here for Week 3, which would bring the total number of different starting quarterbacks this season up to 37,” said Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano on Wednesday’s episode of the *Inside Coverage* podcast. “Last year we had 59 starting quarterbacks. We’re at 37 potentially heading into Week 3.”

How important are these insurance policies and backup quarterbacks to NFL teams? Yahoo Sports senior writer Jori Epstein revealed on *Inside Coverage* that a general manager recently rated the QB2 position as the 11th most important spot on a team’s roster.

Among backup quarterbacks, Marcus Mariota carries one of the highest salary investments at $8 million this season, just behind Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins. Tyrod Taylor isn’t far behind, with a salary of about $6 million this season.

As injuries and team strategies continue to evolve, backup quarterbacks remain a critical resource for NFL franchises striving to maintain competitiveness week to week.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/is-backup-qb-the-most-important-position-in-nfl-025128175.html