Another week goes by, and a few more QBs come off the bench in mostly small situations. But this is the third straight week that at least three QBs have come off the bench and taken snaps during a game. This doesn’t count quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, who did take several snaps at QB for Philadelphia but did not attempt a pass during his time on the field.
3. Robert Griffin III, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were beating Washington so bad in the 4th quarter that they allowed RG3 to take the field for a drive. He came in and immediately threw an interception and the game wrapped up shortly thereafter.
Stas: 0/1, 0 yards, 0 TDS, 1 Int
Next week: Back on the bench since Lamar Jackson is still healthy and available.
2. Joe Flacco, New York Jets
Flacco was medically cleared earlier on Thursday morning before that evening’s game against the Denver Broncos. Flacco oversaw a small piece of the game after starter Sam Darnold left the game to have his right shoulder looked at.
Stats: 2/2, 16, yards, 0 TDS, 0 INTs
Next week: Darnold’s injury wasn’t severe enough to keep him from playing the rest of that game, but it is severe enough for New York to start Flacco next week against Arizona.
1. CJ Beathard, San Francisco 49ers
Beathard came in for the struggling Nick Mullens, who was already a replacement at starter for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Mullens struggled all night against a not great Philadelphia Eagles team and coach Mike Shanahan found himself with no choice but to yank Mullens for Beathard. Beathard came in and immediately took them on a scoring drive, and provided the team with a big boost of energy.
While the game was ultimately a loss for the 49ers, it did murky the waters about the 49ers’ backup situation moving forward. This is a thornier issue than it seems given that Garoppolo missed almost all of the 2018 season with a leg injury and has already missed two games this season. Given that the 49ers are a potential playoff team it makes you wonder what the decision will be for them.
Stats: 14/19, 138 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Next week: It appears that Jimmy Garoppolo is returning to his starter’s job next week against the Miami Dolphins. But stay tuned!
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