Benching the Signal Callers: A Comprehensive Look at Season-Ending Injuries Among Quarterbacks, Highlighted by Justin Herbert's Unfortunate Exit

Injury Fallout: NFL Quarterback Carousel Takes a Devastating Turn with Seven Season-Ending Casualties

In a season already marred by uncertainties, the resilience of NFL quarterbacks is facing an unprecedented test, with a staggering 22% of the league's starting signal-callers sidelined due to season-ending injuries. The unfortunate trend began in Week 1 of the 2023-24 season when the New York Jets' Aaron Rodgers succumbed to an Achilles injury during the opening drive, setting the stage for a succession of setbacks.

The alarming toll includes prominent names like Anthony Richardson, Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson, and most recently, Justin Herbert. The Los Angeles Chargers' star QB, Herbert, joined the sidelined ranks after sustaining a fractured index finger during a challenging encounter against the Denver Broncos on December 10. The injury occurred in the second quarter when a hit from DE Zach Allen interrupted a completed pass, leading to Herbert's subsequent placement on injured reserve and season-ending surgery on December 12.

Prior to this unfortunate turn, Herbert, at 25, showcased his prowess with five victories in 13 starts this season, boasting a 65.1% completion rate, 3,134 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Remarkably, his 17,223 career passing yards in his first four seasons stand as the highest in NFL history. The quarterback, known for his durability, had previously started an impressive 62 consecutive games, marking the second-longest active streak in the league, trailing only Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.

The woes extended to other high-profile quarterbacks, including Joe Burrow, who, despite signing a record-breaking five-year, $275 million contract extension in September, suffered a season-ending blow with a torn ligament in his right wrist. The injury occurred during a clash with the Baltimore Ravens on "Thursday Night Football" on November 16, when a hit in the second quarter led to visible pain and ultimately required surgery on November 27.

As the NFL grapples with the aftermath of these significant losses, the quarterback carousel takes an unexpected and challenging turn, prompting fans and analysts alike to reflect on the fragility of football fortunes and the impact of injuries on the game's narrative.

Stars Dimmed: A Closer Look at the Quarterback Catastrophe Plaguing the NFL

The echoes of shattered dreams resonate as star quarterbacks face untimely exits, leaving a trail of injuries that have reshaped the landscape of the NFL this season. Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals' promising signal-caller, described the ominous moment his season took a tragic turn. "I landed on the wrist a little bit," shared Burrow, who battled a calf injury early in the season. "The next play, the touchdown pass, I felt a pop in the middle of the throw." This marks the second time Burrow's promising season has been cut short, reminiscent of his rookie year when a knee injury prematurely halted his campaign in Week 11 of the 2020 season. At 27, Burrow's resilience faces another formidable test.

Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' dynamic quarterback, confronted his own battle with adversity. A displaced fracture in his right glenoid, sustained during the Browns' nail-biting 33-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 12, led to a courageous finish to the game. However, the severity of the injury necessitated season-ending surgery on Nov. 21. Watson, 28, showcased his prowess with five wins in six starts this season, completing 61.4% of his passes for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions. Over the past three seasons, Watson has faced a turbulent journey, starting only 12 games.

In a cruel twist of fate, Daniel Jones of the New York Giants, the recipient of a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March, saw his season unravel with a torn ACL in the team's 30-6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 5. The injury occurred in the second quarter as Jones dropped back for a pass, his right knee buckling under him. Jones, 26, endured a challenging season, losing five of his six starts, completing 67.5% of his passes for 909 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. This marks the second time in three years that injury has prematurely halted his campaign.

Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings' seasoned quarterback, faced the cruel fate of a torn Achilles in the team's triumphant 24-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 29. The injury unfolded in the fourth quarter as Cousins went down for a loss and limped off the field, ultimately leading to successful surgery on Nov. 1. Despite winning four of his eight starts this season and displaying a commendable completion rate of 69.5%, Cousins, 35, grapples with the stark reality of an early end to his campaign. His resilient career with the Vikings, spanning since 2018, has encountered its share of challenges, with Cousins missing only two games in his tenure.

As the quarterback casualties continue to mount, the NFL finds itself grappling with the unforeseen and enduring consequences of injuries that have not only altered the course of individual careers but have also left an indelible mark on the unfolding drama of the 2023-24 season.

Rookie Heartbreak and Veteran Resilience: The Tale of Quarterbacks' Seasons Cut Short

In the ever-unpredictable realm of the NFL, the stories of quarterback triumph and tragedy continue to unfold, reshaping the narrative of the 2023-24 season. The rookie sensation, Anthony Richardson, experienced the cruel twist of fate as his promising debut season with the Indianapolis Colts abruptly concluded after just four games. A reported Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his shoulder during the Colts' triumph over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 8 led to the announcement on Oct. 18 that Richardson would undergo season-ending surgery. Despite the setback, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft showcased glimpses of his potential, winning two of his four starts and completing 59.5% of his passes for three touchdowns and one interception. Richardson had previously missed a game earlier in the season due to a concussion, adding to the challenges of his inaugural NFL journey.

Meanwhile, the seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in a highly anticipated debut with the New York Jets, faced a devastating Achilles injury just four plays into the season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11. A sack from Bills' DE Leonard Floyd triggered the injury, leading Rodgers to express his immediate awareness of the severity. Despite the grim prognosis, Rodgers, aged 40, defied conventional timelines by undergoing successful season-ending surgery on Sept. 13 with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Promising an unconventional rehabilitation plan, Rodgers exceeded expectations by returning to practice in a limited capacity as the quarterback on Nov. 29, though he remains on the injured reserve. With his return not expected this season, Rodgers' remarkable journey of resilience and recovery challenges the conventional norms of quarterback rehabilitation.

As the NFL grapples with the contrasting tales of a rookie's untimely end and a veteran's determined comeback, the league's narrative continues to be shaped by the unpredictable nature of injuries and the unwavering spirit of those who endure them.

In the ever-shifting tapestry of the NFL, the concluding chapters of the 2023-24 season have been written with both heartbreak and resilience. From the promising rookie Anthony Richardson, whose debut season with the Indianapolis Colts was tragically cut short by a shoulder injury, to the seasoned veteran Aaron Rodgers, whose remarkable comeback journey defied conventional timelines, the stories of quarterbacks have woven a narrative of triumph and tribulation.

Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, showcased glimpses of his potential in his brief stint, winning two of his four starts before a Grade 3 AC joint sprain ended his rookie campaign. The challenges of injury compounded with a prior concussion, making his early exit a poignant reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport.

On the flip side, the indomitable spirit of Aaron Rodgers, facing a season-ending Achilles injury in his Jets debut, rewrote the script of rehabilitation. With surgical precision and an unconventional rehab plan, Rodgers not only defied expectations but returned to practice in a limited capacity, leaving a lasting mark on the league's history of resilience.

As the curtain falls on the 2023-24 NFL season, the tales of these quarterbacks serve as a microcosm of the unpredictable journey that defines professional football. Injuries, recoveries, and unexpected turns continue to shape the narrative, reminding fans and players alike of the enduring spirit that defines the heart and soul of the game.