Week 9 of the NFL has become a showcase for backup quarterbacks, as five teams start players who have spent most of the season on the bench. The moves underscore how injuries and performance swings can quickly thrust a second‑string signal‑caller into the spotlight, especially for clubs still chasing playoff berths.
Backup starters and their situations
Shedeur Sanders – Cleveland Browns
Sanders steps in for Deshaun Watson, who remains the Browns’ starter. Sanders last started a regular‑season game on Jan. 4, 2026, when the Browns edged Cincinnati 20‑18. While he is not expected to wrest the starting job permanently, a solid performance could give Cleveland another viable option should Watson’s play regress.
Drew Lock – Seattle Seahawks
Lock replaces Sam Darnold, who is sidelined with an injury. Lock’s most recent start came on Sept. 20 against Arizona, where he threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns. The Seahawks anticipate Darnold will reclaim the role once he is healthy, but Lock’s showing this week could influence future depth‑chart decisions.
Carson Wentz – Minnesota Vikings
Wentz takes the field for Kyler Murray, who has struggled with consistency. Wentz has contributed five touchdown passes in just 101 snaps this season, offering a glimpse of his veteran experience. If he can sustain that efficiency, the Vikings may keep him in the mix even after Murray returns.
Gardner Minshew – Arizona Cardinals
Minshew, who last started on Oct. 6, 2024, with the Raiders, receives his first start of the season for Arizona. Unlike the other backups, Minshew already has a chance to extend his tenure beyond this single game, as the Cardinals evaluate his fit within their offensive scheme.
Joe Milton – Philadelphia Eagles
Milton makes his NFL debut after Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve due to a superficial blood clot in his calf. The Eagles are currently outside the playoff picture and sitting below .500, so Milton’s performance could determine whether he earns a longer look at the starting role.
What’s at stake
Three of the five teams—Cleveland, Seattle and Minnesota—are still in the thick of the playoff hunt. A strong showing from their backups could keep those clubs competitive and preserve their chances of earning a postseason berth. For the Cardinals and Eagles, the games are less about playoff positioning and more about evaluating talent for the future.
All five quarterbacks face a clear test: can they execute the game plan, limit turnovers, and keep their teams in contention? Their performances will be dissected by coaches, analysts, and fans alike, offering a reminder that depth at the quarterback position is a critical component of any successful franchise.
Looking ahead
As the season progresses, injuries and performance fluctuations will continue to shape rosters. Teams that have capable backups ready to step in can maintain momentum, while those lacking depth may see their playoff aspirations wane. Week 9 serves as a micro‑cosm of the broader NFL narrative—where preparation, opportunity, and resilience intersect on the field.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
