During the 2023 NFL season, 66 quarterbacks took to the field as starters, and unfortunately, seven of them faced injuries that cut their seasons short. While some, like Aaron Rodgers, left the game after just one series, all seven are making their returns this year. Now that three games have been played in the 2024 season, let’s assess how these quarterbacks are faring upon their comeback.
We consulted our NFL Nation reporters to highlight both the positive and concerning trends observed in each quarterback’s performance thus far. Are they nearing their pre-injury form, or do they still require additional time? Read on for an update on each quarterback, starting with the struggling star of one team.
Jump to a quarterback:
J. Burrow | K. Cousins | J. Herbert
D. Jones | A. Richardson
A. Rodgers | D. Watson
What happened last season: Suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist during Week 11 against the Ravens. Following Burrow’s injury, the Bengals posted a 4-3 record with Jake Browning at the helm, resulting in their first missed playoff appearance since 2020 as they finished last in the AFC North.
2024 stats: Five passing touchdowns (tied for fifth), 746 passing yards (seventh), 62.5 Total QBR (eighth), 70.9% completion rate (eighth)
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What has gone right this season: After a training camp filled with uncertainty, Burrow has shown improvement as the season unfolds. His QBR and yards per attempt have risen significantly over the first three weeks. He mentioned that his wrist continues to get better each week. Following a loss to Washington in Week 3, Burrow expressed that he felt great. His two touchdown passes to Ja’Marr Chase marked his first successful deep throws of 15 yards or more since the injury.
What has gone wrong this season: Historically, Burrow has been recognized as one of the most precise passers in the league. However, his accuracy has slightly declined post-injury, with 14.9% of his throws being off-target, according to ESPN Research. This represents the highest rate of his career, though it is only marginally above his previous average of 12.6%. — Ben Baby
What happened last season: Torn right Achilles in Week 8 against the Packers. As a result, the Vikings turned to rookie Jaren Hall, Joshua Dobbs (who they acquired from the Cardinals), and Nick Mullens in the latter half of the season. Minnesota lost its final four games and failed to secure an NFC wild-card spot. Subsequently, Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Falcons in March.
2024 stats: Four passing touchdowns (tied for ninth), 626 passing yards (18th), 49.1 QBR (19th), 66.7% completion rate (19th)
What has gone right this season: Cousins has demonstrated his ability to deliver when it matters and when adequately protected. In Week 2, he orchestrated a crucial drive against the Eagles, completing 5 of 6 passes for 70 yards, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Drake London. When Cousins is not under pressure, he has completed 39 of 55 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
What has gone wrong this season: Traditionally, Cousins has excelled when facing blitzes—he is tied with Josh Allen for the most touchdowns (51) against the blitz in the past five years. However, he appears to be less at ease when pressured since his injury. This season, he has completed only 11 of-
22, with a completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) of minus-0.7% when facing a blitz, according to NGS. His passer rating declines from 116.1 to 43.1 under pressure, resulting in three interceptions.— Marc Raimondi
Last season recap: Suffered a fractured right finger in Week 14 against the Broncos. Easton Stick, who replaced him, lost all four of his games, recording a 65.3% completion percentage and a Total QBR of 53.4. The Chargers ended the season last in the AFC West, dipping below .500 for the first time since 2020.
2024 statistics: Four passing touchdowns (tied for ninth), 399 passing yards (29th), 55.2 QBR (13th), 67.2% completion percentage (18th)
Successes this season: Herbert’s finger remains healthy. While his passing stats have decreased, this is largely due to the Chargers boasting one of the top rushing offenses in the league. With 459 rushing yards, L.A. ranks seventh, and starting running back J.K. Dobbins is leading the NFL with an impressive 7.4 yards per attempt.
Challenges this season: Herbert’s 2024 campaign has been marred by two distinct injuries. On August 1, he was diagnosed with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, leading to two weeks in a walking boot. He then suffered a high right ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Panthers and aggravated it during the third quarter of the Week 3 game against the Steelers. His availability for the upcoming game against Kansas City remains uncertain.— Kris Rhim
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Last season recap: Suffered a torn right ACL in Week 9 against the Raiders. This marked the second time in three years that Jones had his season cut short. The Giants turned to Tommy DeVito, who demonstrated promise by securing three consecutive victories. However, DeVito was replaced by Tyrod Taylor during New York’s loss to the Eagles in Week 16, resulting in a 6-11 finish for the Giants.
2024 statistics: Four passing touchdowns (tied for ninth), 600 passing yards (tied for 20th), 52.7 QBR (16th), 59.6% completion percentage (26th)
Successes this season: The Giants have been proactive in utilizing Jones’ mobility following his injury, calling for nine designed runs across three games. He has consistently maintained that his knee is no longer a concern and appears to be physically back to his previous form.
Challenges this season: One area where Jones has not fully regained his previous performance is in accuracy, possibly due to uncertainty regarding his planting leg. This inconsistency was notable during training camp and has carried over into the current season. Previously, his off-target pass rate was 15.5% over his initial five NFL years, but it’s risen to 20.4% this season.— Jordan Raanan
What happened last season:
AC joint sprain in right shoulder (Week 5 vs. Titans). Following his absence in Week 3 due to a concussion, Richardson sustained an injury to his throwing shoulder during the first half against Tennessee. As a result, Indianapolis promoted Gardner Minshew to the starting position, which he retained for the remainder of the season. The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention after a 23-19 defeat to the Texans in Week 18.
2024 stats: Three passing touchdowns (tied for 16th), 583 passing yards (23rd), 49.6 QBR (18th), 49.3% completion percentage (31st)
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What has gone right this season: Any injury involving a quarterback’s throwing shoulder raises valid concerns about potential long-term damage. Fortunately, Richardson’s shoulder seems to be as resilient as ever. He has exhibited the same powerful arm for which he has become famous, currently ranking first in the NFL for air yards per attempt (11.9).
What has gone wrong this season: Richardson has experienced an inconsistent start, with his accuracy presenting greater challenges than it did during his brief rookie campaign. He is completing only 49.1% of his passes, raising concerns about the stability of his mechanics and its influence on his overall precision. Additionally, he leads the NFL with six interceptions. Could these issues be tied to his lengthy injury recovery? — Stephen Holder
What happened last season: Torn left Achilles (Week 1 vs. Bills). Zach Wilson guided the Jets to victory in their season opener against the Bills and kept the starting role until Week 11. Tim Boyle took over for two games due to Wilson’s underperformance, but Boyle was released before Trevor Siemian concluded the season. The Jets posted a record of 7-10 for the second consecutive year.
2024 stats: Five passing touchdowns (tied for fifth), 624 passing yards (19th), 60.3 QBR (11th), 67.4% completion percentage (17th)
What has gone right this season: After restricted mobility in the initial two games, Rodgers showed considerable improvement in Week 3, demonstrating his ability to escape the pocket and make off-platform throws during a victory over the Patriots. He was six-for-six when throwing outside of the pocket. Although Father Time has diminished some of his speed and agility, Rodgers felt so positive after the game that he remarked, “I felt like I was myself quite a few years ago.” While it’s unrealistic to expect a 40-year-old coming off Achilles surgery to perform at this level every week, it certainly presents defenses with additional considerations when preparing for him.
What has gone wrong this season: Rodgers is averaging 6.5 air yards per attempt, the lowest of his career. While this isn’t yet a cause for concern, it’s something to monitor. the passing offense has leaned towards short, quick passes, with Rodgers averaging just 2.51 seconds from snap to throw. Is this strategy intentional, or is he releasing the ball quickly to avoid taking hits? So far, it seems to be working reasonably well, yet there is a sense that a different aspect of the offense remains to be uncovered. — Rich Cimini
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What happened last season: A broken bone in his right shoulder occurred in Week 10 against the Ravens. Watson intermittently missed games during the first half of the season due to a rotator cuff strain sustained in Week 3. Once he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the year, the Browns turned to Dorian Thompson-Robinson for two weeks. Joe Flacco then took over, finishing with a 4-2 record and securing an unexpected playoff spot for Cleveland. However, the season ended with a 45-14 defeat to the Texans in the wild card round.
2024 stats: Three passing touchdowns (tied for 16th), 551 yards passing (26th), 22.5 QBR (30th), 57.8% completion percentage (28th)
What has gone right this season: The agility that once made Watson a top dual-threat quarterback during his tenure with the Texans seems to still be present. He currently ranks 10th among quarterbacks in rushing yards with 85 and has successfully used his speed to avoid sacks numerous times, even with an offensive line that records the seventh-highest number of pass block losses (37).
What has gone wrong this season: Although Watson and the team have claimed that his shoulder is fully healed, he continues to face difficulties with accuracy. His off-target rate of 24.5% ranks as the third worst in the league and would mark the lowest rate of his career. Additionally, Watson has had challenges with deep passes, registering a completion rate of just 32.3% on throws that travel 10 or more yards, placing him third worst in the NFL. — Daniel Oyefusi
Evaluating the Comeback of NFL’s Injured Quarterbacks: Progress and Challenges After Early Setbacks
Understanding Quarterback Injuries in the NFL
The NFL is notorious for its high-impact nature, and quarterbacks often find themselves at the forefront of injuries that can derail their careers. The types of injuries most commonly faced by quarterbacks include:
- Knee Injuries: ACL, MCL tears, and meniscus damage are prevalent and can take significant time to heal.
- Shoulder Injuries: Rotator cuff tears and dislocations can hinder a quarterback’s throwing ability.
- Ankle Injuries: Sprains and fractures can impact mobility and footwork.
- Concussions: Head injuries that can lead to long-term health issues and require careful management.
The Rehabilitation Process
The road to recovery for quarterbacks is not just physical; it also involves mental resilience and thorough rehabilitation. Here’s a breakdown of the typical rehabilitation process:
1. Initial Assessment and Rest
Upon injury, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to understand the extent of the damage. Rest is critical during this phase to prevent further injury.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Key components include:
- Strength Training: Focus on rebuilding strength in the injured area.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Essential for regaining flexibility and movement.
- Functional Drills: Activities that simulate game situations to prepare the athlete mentally and physically.
3. Gradual Return to Play
Once cleared by medical professionals, quarterbacks typically undergo a gradual return to practice, starting with non-contact drills before participating in full-contact training.
Case Studies of Notable Comebacks
Several quarterbacks have faced significant injuries and made remarkable comebacks. Here are a few notable examples:
| Quarterback | Injury | Year of Injury | Comeback Year</th | Performance Post-Injury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Brady | ACL Tear | 2008 | 2009 | Returned to Pro Bowl form |
| Carson Wentz | ACL/MCL Tear | 2017 | 2018 | Struggled initially, regained form |
| Andrew Luck | Shoulder Surgery | 2017 | 2018 | Outstanding comeback, led team to playoff |
Challenges Faced by Returning Quarterbacks
While physical recovery is vital, several challenges can impede the return of injured quarterbacks:
1. Mental Hurdles
The psychological aspect of returning from injury is profound. Quarterbacks may experience:
- Fear of Re-injury: Anxiety about returning to high-impact play.
- Confidence Issues: Doubt in their physical capabilities can affect performance.
2. Team Dynamics
Reintegrating into a team after injury can be challenging. Factors include:
- Trust from Teammates: Building rapport and trust with players and coaches.
- Competition: Young talent may emerge during recovery, creating pressure to perform.
3. Game Preparation
Adapting back to the speed and complexity of the game post-injury is crucial:
- Playbook Familiarity: Staying updated with any changes in the team’s offensive scheme.
- Timing and Chemistry: Re-establishing timing with receivers is essential for success.
Benefits of a Successful Comeback
Overcoming injury struggles can yield tremendous benefits for quarterbacks, including:
- Enhanced Resilience: Increased mental and physical toughness can lead to better performance.
- Leadership Growth: Facing adversity often enhances a player’s ability to lead and inspire teammates.
- Experience Accumulation: Valuable lessons learned from the recovery process can influence future gameplay and decision-making.
Practical Tips for Evaluating Comebacks
For fans, analysts, and teams, evaluating a quarterback’s comeback involves several key strategies:
1. Monitoring Recovery Progress
Track updates from team medical staff and physical therapists to gauge recovery timelines.
2. Analyzing Performance Metrics
Focus on specific metrics that reflect a quarterback’s performance, such as:
- Pass Completion Rate: A higher percentage indicates better accuracy and confidence.
- Interception Rate: Lower rates suggest improved decision-making post-recovery.
- Yards Per Attempt: An increase here can signify a quarterback’s return to form.
3. Observing Body Language and Footwork
Evaluating a quarterback’s demeanor during games can provide insights into their mental state. Look for:
- Physical Aggressiveness: A quarterback who is willing to take hits indicates confidence.
- Movement Fluidity: Watch for smooth transitions in footwork and throwing mechanics.
First-Hand Experience: A Quarterback’s Journey
Insights from quarterbacks who have experienced significant injuries can provide a unique perspective. For instance, one quarterback shared:
“The toughest part wasn’t just the physical rehab, but retraining my mind. I had to learn not to think about the injury while playing. It’s a mental game just as much as it is physical.”
The Future of Quarterback Comebacks in the NFL
As medical technology and rehabilitation techniques continue to advance, the landscape for injured quarterbacks is changing. Improved recovery protocols and a deeper understanding of sports injuries have opened avenues for successful comebacks.
With a focus on mental health and wellness, future injured quarterbacks may find themselves better equipped to face the challenges of recovery and return stronger than ever.
