There have been eight QB injuries through three weeks of the NFL season, up a little bit from recent years. Is it a trend or just an outlier -- and is there a clear reason?
An analysis of NFL quarterback injuries reveals that eight starting-caliber passers were sidelined through the first three weeks of 2026, marking the highest early-season tally since 1999. Recent injuries to notable starters include Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb and Jaxson Dart's season-ending knee surgery, while 41 different quarterbacks have attempted at least five passes across the league.
ESPN notes that while quarterback contact rates reached a record high of 22.2% in 2026, statistical analysis shows no meaningful correlation between increased hits and early-season injuries. The report concludes that the high frequency of early absences is primarily driven by random, non-traditional occurrences and bad luck rather than a systemic trend.
Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.
