The week of the backup QB in the NFL kicks off as Sanders, Milton, Minshew, Lock, and Wentz start
Five backup quarterbacks are starting for their teams in Week 9, with three of those players thrust into the starting job on teams with playoff expectations.MINNESOTA VIKINGS' SOFT BENCHING OF KYLER MURRAY LEADS TO CARSON WENTZ TAKING OVER AS NEW STARTING QBThis page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II is sacked by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Tyrus Wheat and defensive tackle Lt.Overton in the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Aug.
22, 2026.(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)This is the week Shedeur Sanders starts for Deshaun Watson with the Cleveland Browns, Drew Lock starts instead of Sam Darnold for the Seattle Seahawks, Carson Wentz starts for Kyler Murray with the Minnesota Vikings – all playing on teams in thick of a playoff hunt.The situation is probably different for the Arizona Cardinals, who are starting Gardner Minshew, and the Philadelphia Eagles, who are turning to Joe Milton because both those teams are currently outside the playoff picture and indeed under .500.So here's the breakdown of five new starters and what is at stake:Minshew's last start before this week was Oct.
6, 2024, with the Raiders, and unlike most of the others in this group, he has already been given a chance to extend his tenure beyond this game.Tanner McKee and Joe Milton of the Philadelphia Eagles look on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., on Oct.18, 2026.
(Getty Images)EAGLES' JALEN HURTS PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE AFTER SUPERFICIAL BLOOD CLOT FOUND IN HIS CALF AREAThis will be Milton’s first NFL start, and while the Eagles have not committed beyond this game, Hurts’ season-ending injury gives Milton a legitimate opportunity to keep the job if he plays well.Minnesota Vikings quart...