It sure is a good time to be a backup quarterback in the NFL, or even the backup's backup. The leaves are still green and already five teams have turned to their QB2 either because of injury ( Vikings , Packers , Steelers and Dolphins ) or inefficacy ( Panthers ). So much is made about developing an elite starting quarterback who shoulders the franchise's fortunes, but it's the other guys in the room that it often comes down to.
Last year, 66 quarterbacks started a game in the NFL. The year before that, 68. Miami is already on its third quarterback after QB1 Tua Tagovailoa (another concussion) and QB2 Skylar Thompson (rib) got hurt.
Two-time flameout Sam Darnold is reviving his career in Minnesota, which is off to a 3-0 start just like the Steelers, where Bears bust Justin Fields has been so solid in place of an injured Russell Wilson that a switchback seems unlikelier by the week. The Packers (2-1) have won both games started by Malik Willis, whom they acquired from Tennessee less than a month ago. He was pressed into duty almost immediately when Jordan Love, fresh off signing a four-year, $220 million contract, injured his left knee in the season opener.
In Week 3, former starter Andy Dalton replaced last year's top overall draft pick, Bryce Young, and led the Panthers to a stunnng win in Las Vegas. Trevor Lawrence, the first overall draft pick in 2021, lost his eighth consecutive start Monday night when the Jaguars were routed by the Bills 47-10 . Lawrence was yanked with .