Two weeks are in the books in the 2019 NFL season. A handful of teams are already down a signal-caller or have made the switch to a backup. Here’s a recap of current quarterback carousel situations and a preview of some that could be on the horizon across the league.
Nick Foles
Foles joined the Jacksonville Jaguars to be their franchise quarterback. His opening season with he Jags ended minutes after it started. Folles suffered a fractured clavicle against the Chiefs in Week 1, turning the offense over to rookie Gardner Minshew. The Jaguars are 0-2 and host Tennessee on Thursday night.
Sam Darnold
The New York Jets were gearing up for a big season with their second-year quarterback under center. They signed Le’Veon Bell to lighten the load on Darnold’s shoulders. But now, Darnold is out with mononucleosis. But wait, there’s more …
Trevor Siemian
Siemian, the former starter for the Broncos, got the call Monday night against the Browns in place of Darnold. He didn’t make it to halftime. A late hit by Browns defensive end Myles Garrett caused Siemian to land awkwardly on his leg. He is out for the season. Next up is third-string QB Luke Falk.
Drew Brees
The future Hall of Famer suffered an injury to his throwing thumb against the Rams. The injury will sideline him for at least six weeks. Teddy Bridgewater will lead the Saints’ offense.
Ben Roethlisberger
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ veteran signal-caller suffered an elbow injury Sunday against the Seahawks. He is out for the season. Mason Rudolph is now the Steelers’ starter.
Eli Manning
The veteran Giants quarterback, who led them to a pair of Super Bowl Championships, both of which came against the New England Patriots, is being benched in favor of Daniel Jones, the sixh overall pick from the 2019 draft.
As for some that could come sooner rather than later …
Case Keenum
Keenum could lose his job to first-round pick Dwayne Haskins, who may make his first NFL start in the coming weeks. His team, the Redskins, are 0-2 and host the gritty Chicago Bears on Monday night.
Marcus Mariota
The Titans quarterback is rumored to be on a short leash. Ryan Tannehill is chomping at the bit to take his place. After failing horribly in a fourth-quarter, two-minute drive against the Colts with the game on the line, his days may be numbered.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
The Miami Dolphins have been dismal (at best) through two games, only scoring a total of 10 points. Josh Rosen, the odd man out in Arizona to make room for Kyler Murray, could become the starter in Miami sooner rather than later.
Cam Newton
A rough showing against the Buccaneers in Week 2 led to more than a few murmurs for a change. Plus, with Newton banged up, there is a clear opportunity for backup Kyle Allen.
Jameis Winston
The first pick in the 2015 draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been inconsistent throughout his career. He has been on a short leash before, and he’s back on a short leash again.
Andy Dalton
Although there are no confirmed rumblings for the benching of the Cincinnati Bengals’ veteran quarterback, it’s worth noting the team is 0-2 and heading to Buffalo this week to take on the 2-0 Bills.
Parting Thoughts
I wouldn’t be surprised if Eli Manning waves his no-trade clause and ends up in Pittsburgh or Jacksonville. But my gut feeling is that he will trade in his big blue jersey for a gang green one. He wouldn’t be changing home stadiums. He wouldn’t have to uproot his family. And with the uncertainty of how long Darnold will be out, this would be almost a no-brainer for the Jets.
