Shedeur Sanders, Joe Milton Among 7 NFL Backup QBs Starting in Week 9 Amid QB1 Injuries

Backup quarterbacks — and even some third-stringers — have taken their fair share of regular season snaps throughout the first half of the 2026 NFL season. Several quarterback injuries are forcing teams across the league to turn to their backups once again in Week 9.

Seven teams will be starting backup quarterbacks, including five that will be starting their first game of the season.

The Baltimore Ravens are turning to undrafted rookie quarterback Joey Fagnano, who was serving as their emergency third-string option until starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley both suffered significant injuries in a nightmarish 36-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. Baltimore is finalizing a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for quarterback Jacoby Brissett, but the transaction won't be processed in time for their matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football.

The Seattle Seahawks are expecting to start quarterback Drew Lock after starter Sam Darnold suffered a quad injury during Monday night's game against the Chicago Bears. Lock was forced into action earlier this season after Darnold suffered a glute injury in the season opener. He led Seattle to a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 1 and defeated the Arizona Cardinals in a 31-7 blowout in Week 2.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to make his season debut against the New Orleans Saints. Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has led the Browns to an impressive 5-3 record, but he entered the NFL's concussion protocol after reporting concussion symptoms to the team on Tuesday.

Quarterback Joe Milton will make his first career start for the Philadelphia Eagles, who benched backup quarterback Tanner McKee following a 27-10 loss against the Washington Commanders. The Eagles have lost six consecutive games, including all three of McKee's starts.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew earned the starting role after he stepped in and led his team to an electric comeback against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. Although Brissett, who was benched during the game, was traded to Baltimore earlier this week, Minshew may not have a long leash with rookie quarterback Carson Beck waiting in the wings.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will make his second start for the New York Giants after leading them to a 27-21 overtime victory against the Houston Texans. The Giants acquired the third-year passer in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings after losing quarterback Jaxson Dart to a season-ending injury, and McCarthy replaced backup Jameis Winston, who was benched during a Week 6 loss.

The Minnesota Vikings will start quarterback Carson Wentz for a primetime matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night after starter Kyler Murray was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Wentz previously stepped in to provide relief after Murray suffered a concussion in the team's regular-season opener. Although Wentz helped Minnesota pick up a pair of victories over their first two games, the credit for the team's success largely belongs to their top-ranked defense.