# Six NFL teams reset plans after QB injuries

> Quarterback losses reshape playoff hopes for a quarter of the league, from draft-pick hunts to Super Bowl contention.
- Title: Six NFL teams reset plans after QB injuries · CBS Sports
- Summary: Quarterback losses reshape playoff hopes for a quarter of the league, from draft-pick hunts to Super Bowl contention. QB injuries hit six NFL teams…
- Keywords: nfl, quarterback injuries, new york giants, chicago bears, washington commanders, seattle seahawks, minnesota vikings, atlanta falcons, jaxson dart, caleb williams, jayden daniels, sam darnold
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/resetting-expectations-nfl-teams-injured-quarterbacks
- Published: 2026-09-22T23:01:14+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nfl, quarterback injuries, new york giants, chicago bears, washington commanders, seattle seahawks, minnesota vikings, atlanta falcons, jaxson dart, caleb williams, jayden daniels, sam darnold
## Six starters down in two weeks
Quarterback injuries have hit nearly a quarter of the NFL through Week 2 of the 2026 season. Most are short-term issues, but a couple threaten entire campaigns.
## Giants face season-ending blow
Jaxson Dart's knee injury is worse than initially feared and could sideline him for the year. The Giants' promising 2026 season is already in jeopardy.
## Giants pivot to draft mode
Without Dart, the Giants will likely finish among the NFL's worst teams with Jameis Winston at quarterback. The silver lining is premium draft picks in 2027.
## Bears expect quick Williams return
Caleb Williams' hamstring injury is week-to-week and he could return as soon as Week 3. An early-season hole won't derail Chicago's playoff chances.
## Bears have playoff blueprint
Chicago started 0-2 last year and reached the divisional round. With Williams back soon, the Bears can rattle off wins and recover from early losses.
## Commanders face losing season
Jayden Daniels' dislocated elbow is the same injury that sidelined him for four weeks last year. Washington's weak defense can't survive without him.
## Seahawks stay Super Bowl bound
Drew Lock won two games while Sam Darnold recovers from a glute injury. Darnold could return this week, keeping Seattle's title hopes intact.
## Vikings inherit winning record
Kyler Murray cleared concussion protocol after one game and returns to a 2-0 record. Minnesota can build an early cushion in a weak NFC North.
## Vikings have favorable schedule
No team on Minnesota's schedule until Week 9 made the playoffs last year. Murray has a chance to deliver the career resurgence the Vikings signed him for.
## Falcons need Penix breakthrough
Michael Penix Jr. takes over after Cooper Rush's disastrous 0-2 start. Penix is 4-8 as a starter and must deliver a breakout season to save Atlanta's year.
## Falcons face injury risk again
Penix carries an immense injury history and Tua Tagovailoa has the same shortcomings. Atlanta's backup plan is fragile if either gets hurt.
## Key takeaway

QB injuries hit six NFL teams differently: some face season-long struggles, others just need backups to hold the line until starters return.