The trend of NFL teams benching their starting quarterbacks during the preseason has intensified, with over one-third of starting QBs sitting out entirely this year. This shift reflects both strategic decisions and injury management across the league.
Teams cited varied reasons for keeping their starters inactive. For example, Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) and Daniel Jones (Colts) are recovering from season-ending injuries, while Dak Prescott (Cowboys) and Lamar Jackson (Ravens) have consistently held back across multiple coaching regimes. Rams head coach Sean McVay, known for his aggressive injury-avoidance tactics, kept Matthew Stafford sidelined entirely. These choices highlight a growing divide between team caution and fan expectations for competitive preseason play.
The outcome is clear: viewers tuning into preseason games are increasingly watching backup quarterbacks, with starters rarely appearing beyond brief, single-series appearances.
Here is the complete list of teams that excluded all their starting quarterbacks this preseason, via Mike Reiss of ESPN:
- Seahawks: Sam Darnold.
- Patriots: Drake Maye.
- Cowboys: Dak Prescott.
- Ravens: Lamar Jackson.
- Steelers: Aaron Rodgers.
- Colts: Daniel Jones.
- Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence.
- Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes.
- Eagles: Jalen Hurts.
- Lions: Jared Goff.
- Saints: Tyler Shough.
- Rams: Matthew Stafford.
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