NFL Quarterback Injuries Mount After Week 2

The second week of the 2025 NFL season brought a wave of quarterback injuries that could reshape the entire landscape of the league. From franchise cornerstones to emerging stars, several teams now face uncertain futures as their signal-callers hit the injury report.

Joe Burrow : Cincinnati's Championship Dreams in Jeopardy

The first shocking development came out of Cincinnati, where Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a severe turf toe injury during Sunday's 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. What initially appeared to be a routine sack by Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead turned into a nightmare scenario for the Bengals organization.

Burrow stayed down on the turf, slamming his helmet in frustration—a telling sign that he knew something was seriously wrong. After being helped to the locker room in the second quarter, the worst fears were confirmed: Burrow would need surgery and face a recovery timeline of at least three months, effectively ending his 2025 regular season.

This injury is particularly devastating given the Bengals' hot 2-0 start and Burrow's incredible 2024 campaign, where he led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns en route to Comeback Player of the Year honors. Now, veteran backup Jake Browning steps into the spotlight once again, having previously gone 4-3 as Cincinnati's starter when Burrow suffered a wrist injury in 2023.

Justin Fields: Jets' Quarterback Carousel Continues

The New York Jets' quarterback woes following their 30-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Justin Fields, who was brought in to stabilize the position, suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter after a violent hit from Bills pass rusher Joey Bosa.

Fields had been struggling even before the injury, completing just 3 of 11 pass attempts for 27 yards and committing two fumbles. The hit that knocked him out came after he released the ball, with Bosa dragging him to the ground where Fields' head hit hard on the turf.

With Fields now in concussion protocol, veteran Tyrod Taylor finished the game and could potentially start Week 3 against Tampa Bay, continuing the Jets' seemingly endless search for quarterback stability.

Brock Purdy: 49ers Navigate Toe Troubles

The San Francisco 49ers entered Week 2 already dealing with their own quarterback injury crisis. Brock Purdy, who suffered a "turf toe variant" in the season opener, was ruled out for the Saints game, forcing the team to turn to backup Mac Jones.

While Jones performed admirably in relief—throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-21 victory—the 49ers now face the unsettling reality that toe injuries have become a concerning trend across the league. Purdy's timeline remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from two to five weeks depending on the severity and his response to treatment.

Other Quarterbacks in Question

The quarterback injury epidemic extends beyond these three major cases:

Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders): The promising rookie is dealing with a sprained knee that has his Week 3 status in doubt, concerning a Commanders team that has high hopes for their first-round pick.

J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings): The second-year quarterback is likely out for Week 3 with an ankle sprain, with reports suggesting he could miss two to four weeks. This comes after a disappointing performance against Atlanta where he threw two interceptions and took six sacks.

Ripple Effects Across the League

These injuries create a domino effect that extends far beyond the individual teams:

Fantasy Football Impact: Millions of fantasy players are scrambling to adjust their lineups and waiver wire strategies, with backup quarterbacks suddenly becoming premium commodities.

Playoff Picture: Early-season quarterback injuries can derail even the most talented rosters, as the Bengals learned in 2024 when they missed the playoffs despite Burrow's exceptional performance.

Backup Quarterback Market: Teams with quality backup quarterbacks suddenly hold valuable trade assets, while others may need to scour the free-agent market or practice squads for emergency options.

Looking Ahead: Lessons and Adaptations

As Week 3 approaches, several teams face critical decisions about their quarterback situations. The Bengals must determine if Jake Browning can carry them through a brutal upcoming schedule that includes games against Minnesota, Denver, Detroit, and Green Bay. The Jets need Fields to clear concussion protocol or risk further instability at the position.