Young NFL QBs Hurt Early in Season

In Week 2 of the NFL season, rookie quarterbacks Jaxson Dart, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels were injured, forcing teams to rely on backups. The injuries highlight the fragility of young signal callers and raise questions about their future roles.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:54:20 GMT

In the second week of the NFL season, a wave of injuries swept through the league’s most promising young quarterbacks. Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants, Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears, and Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders all exited games early, leaving their teams scrambling to fill the void left by their starters.

Week 2 Injuries Shake Up Rookies

Jaxson Dart, who had been a key factor in the Giants’ surprising Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, suffered a left‑knee injury during the first quarter of a 28‑6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The hit came on a third‑and‑eight play when the pocket collapsed around him, and he was carted off the field. Giants general manager Joe Schoen confirmed that Dart would undergo X‑rays and that he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Caleb Williams, the Bears’ first‑round pick, was carted off in a 9‑3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings after a hamstring strain. The Bears had scored 59 points in Week 1, and Williams’ exit was a blow to a team that had been riding a high‑energy offense. Bears coach Ben Johnson said the injury is considered week‑to‑week and that Williams is working through all available options to return.

Washington’s Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, dislocated his left elbow after being tripped by a teammate in a 37‑20 loss to the Cowboys. Daniels had already suffered a dislocated elbow last season, limiting him to seven games. Coach Dan Quinn expressed sympathy for the young quarterback, noting the importance of supporting players through setbacks.

Other Young QBs on the Injury List

The trio of Dart, Williams, and Daniels joins a growing list of under‑30, former first‑round picks who have been sidelined early in the season. Minnesota Vikings’ Kyler Murray was out after a concussion in Week 1, and Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold was also listed as questionable. All five quarterbacks are now facing uncertain timelines as teams adjust their offensive strategies.

Impact on Team Strategies

With their starters out, the Giants have turned to veteran Jameis Winston, the Bears have promoted Tyler Bagan, and the Commanders have brought in Marcus Mariota. Each team’s backup has a different skill set, and the transition will test coaching staffs’ ability to adapt game plans on short notice.

Despite the setbacks, the teams’ seasons are not over. The Vikings, for instance, started 2‑0 with backup Carson Wentz at the helm after Murray’s injury. The Seahawks have also maintained a 2‑0 record, with Drew Lock stepping in for Darnold and scoring 31 points in a recent win. These examples illustrate that while rookie quarterbacks can be pivotal, teams often have depth to weather early injuries.

Future Outlook for the Injured QBs

Dart is expected to return to practice later this week, but his exact timeline remains unclear. Williams’ hamstring strain could sideline him for several weeks, while Daniels’ elbow injury may require a longer recovery period. The three quarterbacks have shown flashes of potential, but their early injuries raise questions about their durability and the long‑term plans of their franchises.

As the season progresses, the league will watch how each team adjusts without their young signal callers. The injuries also serve as a reminder of the physical demands placed on quarterbacks and the importance of depth in modern NFL rosters.

Key facts

• Three rookie QBs injured early in the season
• Backup quarterbacks stepping in for the Giants, Bears, and Commanders
• Other young QBs also sidelined
• Teams have maintained early success with backups
• Recovery timelines remain uncertain

Why it matters

The injuries to these young quarterbacks highlight the volatility of rookie seasons and the critical need for depth in NFL rosters, affecting team performance and fan expectations.

Frequently asked questions

What caused Jaxson Dart’s injury?

Dart was hit on a third‑and‑eight play when the pocket collapsed, taking a substantial hit to his left knee.

How long might Caleb Williams be out?

Williams’ hamstring strain is considered week‑to‑week; his return will depend on recovery progress.

Will Jayden Daniels return this season?

Daniels is expected to return to practice later in the week, but a full recovery may take several weeks.

Can teams rely on backups after losing a rookie QB?

Yes; teams like the Vikings and Seahawks have shown they can maintain performance with experienced backups.

Sources

• [1] nbcnews.com — originally reported as “These young quarterbacks were supposed to break out. Now they’re hurt.”