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The 2025 NFL season has already seen its share of injuries in the first 10 weeks. But the injured reserve could expand after the Week 11 games.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left their games against their respective opponents on Sunday. Rodgers left the Steelers’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals, while Penix left the Falcons’ game against the Carolina Panthers.
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Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was playing through an ankle injury and was seen, at one point, writhing in pain from the issue. Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love also had to leave the game with a banged up shoulder.
They were far from the only quarterbacks to suffer.
Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) holds his arm after a hit by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Aaron Rodgers left the game with a left hand injury. He was seen holding his wrist after being tackled by a few Bengals defenders. He was doubtful he would return but he never came back. Instead, Mason Rudolph entered the game and Pittsburgh put down Joe Flacco for the 34-12 victory.
Rodgers was 9 of 15 with 116 passing yards and a touchdown pass.
Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons game in the third quarter. He was diagnosed with a knee injury and listed as questionable. He did not return as the game entered overtime. Instead, it was Kirk Cousins who was back in Central Atlanta.
He was 13 of 16 with 175 passing yards.
Cousins helped the Falcons force overtime. However, Atlanta lost 30-27.
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Jordan Love
Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Packers quarterback Jordan Love briefly left the team’s 27-20 win over the New York Giants with a left shoulder injury. He would later return to help Green Bay secure the victory with some decisive plays. While on the bench, Malik Willis threw a touchdown pass.
Love was 13 of 24 with 174 passing yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Marcus Mariota
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) goes to the ground after fighting for a first down during the second half of an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, November 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernández)
The Washington Commanders needed Marcus Mariota to go to the bench to be checked on late in their game against the Miami Dolphins.
He was evaluated for a concussion and was able to return to the game. Upon his return, he sent the ball toward the red zone in hopes of setting up a score for the Commanders. But in vain.
The Commanders lost to the Dolphins, 16-13, in overtime. It was the very first regular season match played in Madrid. Mariota finished 20 of 30 with 213 passing yards, one touchdown pass and one interception.
Backups are already starting
Jameis Winston of the New York Giants throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
While fans saw a few more quarterbacks go down, there were already plenty of replacements starting in Week 11.
Mariota was one of them as Jayden Daniels suffered a horrific injury a few weeks ago. Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco started against Rodgers and the Steelers, as he is the third quarterback the team has faced this season. Joe Burrow came out with turf toes.
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Davis Mills started again for the Houston Texans in place of CJ Stroud. He helped the Texans get back to .500 with a 16-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. Jameis Winston started for the Giants against the Packers in place of the injured Jaxson Dart.
The Cardinals started Jacoby Brissett again in place of Kyler Murray. Dillon Gabriel started for the Cleveland Browns. Although he’s not technically a backup quarterback, he started the season at QB2 before the team traded Flacco to the Bengals.
