Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, Kenny Pickett, and Tyrod Taylor are the latest quarterbacks to suffer injuries.
Cousins’ injury is probably the worst of the bunch. Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said the organization is concerned the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback has injured his Achilles tendon — and if an MRI reveals the tendon is torn, Cousins’ season will be finished.
The 35-year-old veteran, who has never missed a game due to injury, staggered to the bench after suffering a non-contact injury in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 victory over Green Bay on Sunday. He was then taken to the locker room.
“I do know that it will have to be an injury that renders him physically incapable of playing because if it has anything to do with pain tolerance or a choice to go out on the football field, Kirk Cousins will be out there,” O’Connell stated.
“We’ll figure out how serious it is and let you know what my current fear is about the damage. When we confirm that as an organization, we will strive to move forward in the short term, knowing that I don’t think anyone in this league played as good as Kirk at the position this year.”
The Vikings may struggle to duplicate Cousins’ output with the other quarterbacks on the roster. Jaren Hall, a rookie fifth-round pick from BYU, replaced him on Sunday. Minnesota placed veteran Nick Mullens on injured reserve and Sean Mannion on the practice squad.
Stafford was unable to finish a blowout loss in Dallas due to a thumb injury. He also injured his elbow when attempting a two-point conversion in the Rams’ 43-20 loss against the Cowboys. Rams coach Sean McVay said he didn’t know the full nature of Stafford’s injury.
Pickett and Taylor both damaged their ribs.
Pickett departed Pittsburgh’s game in the first half after receiving a heavy shot from Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis. Backup Mitch Trubisky threw two interceptions as the Steelers fell 20-10 to visiting Jacksonville. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did not provide an update on Pickett’s injuries.
Taylor was rushed to the hospital for evaluation after breaking his ribs during the first half of the New York Giants’ 13-10 overtime loss against the Jets. The team stated that Taylor would be hospitalized overnight.
Taylor began his third game for Daniel Jones, who is out with a neck injury.
Tommy DeVito, an undrafted rookie from Illinois and Syracuse who grew up in New Jersey, took over for Taylor and completed only one throw in regulation. He scored on a 6-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, giving the Giants the lead, and finished 2 of 7 for minus-1 yardage.
Atlanta’s Desmond Ridder was tested for a concussion and cleared, but the Falcons turned to Taylor Heinicke in the third quarter of a 28-23 loss to Tennessee. Coach Arthur Smith stated that he kept Ridder out as a precaution.
When asked which quarterback would start next week, Smith responded, “I’m going to listen to the medical professionals and see how this week goes.”
Will Levis, a Titans rookie, threw four touchdown passes in his NFL debut while filling in for Ryan Tannehill, who is out with an ankle injury.
Several quarterbacks played despite injuries. Jalen Hurts, who wore a knee brace in the second half of last week’s game, tossed four touchdown passes in a 38-31 victory over Washington. Brock Purdy began for the 49ers against Cincinnati despite suffering a concussion on Monday.
The Browns, who played in Seattle, were again without Deshaun Watson due to a shoulder ailment.
Gardner Minshew made his fourth start for Indianapolis, losing 38-27 to visiting New Orleans. Colts rookie Anthony Richardson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this month.
Aaron Rodgers, the Jets’ four-time MVP, tore his Achilles tendon in the first quarter of Week 1. Joe Burrow has started every game for the Bengals, although he suffered in September with a calf ailment that prompted him to miss training camp.
