4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts saw limited time in the easy victory Philly had over the Dallas Cowboys, but was given a greenlight to attempt a pass, his 2nd in the NFL. And much like the first it was complete. Hurts is being used like Taysom Hill in New Orleans, and it seems like only a matter of time until Hurts gets more and more snaps under center. If Philly fades from the NFC East race, there’s a chance that Hurts could be given the go-ahead to start a game.
Stats: 1/1, 9
Next week: Likely more of the same.
3. PJ Walker, Carolina Panthers
Our first appearance from an XFL 2.0 QB! PJ Walker tore up the XFL with the Houston Roughnecks and played well enough to earn himself a roster spot in Carolina. He saw action on one drive after Teddy Bridgewater briefly left the game to get an injury looked at. Walker looked poised and sharp under center and might have given some teams a preview of a tradeable asset later.
Stats: 1/4, 3
Next week: Not likely to see any time unless there’s another injury.
2. Chad Henne, Kansas City Chiefs
Another appearance from Chad Henne in 2020! He is routinely popping up now due to the Chiefs being so far ahead in the second half of games. The Chiefs know that keeping Mahomes healthy is more important than letting him run up stats, and part of that is sitting him when it’s necessary. Against the New York Jets, the game was almost never in doubt and Andy Reid had seen enough and let Henne come in to close out the game.
One interesting thing is that unlike other backup qbs in similar situations, Henne does not just hand the ball off and run the clock out. He’s trusted enough to pass and was given several opportunities late in that game
Stats: 3/4, 17
Next week: Every week is a possibility for a little Henne given the way the Chiefs play.
1. Nick Mullens, San Francisco 49ers
The only QB this week who really needed to step in and save a game was Mullens. The 49ers were absolutely getting wrecked by the Seattle Seahawks when Kyle Shanahan made the switch at halftime to let Mullens handle the rest of the game. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise as Jimmy Garoppolo reaggravated his high ankle sprain and is now likely to be out for several weeks.
Mullens made the most of his opportunity throwing 2 TDs and turning a game that was headed out of control into a much closer game. While the 49ers ultimately lost 37-27, and the score is maybe closer than the game was, Mullens showed heart and tenacity in leading the “comeback.” It was good enough play that he’ll be the starter going forward rather than fellow backup CJ Beathard.
Stats: 18/25, 238, 2
Next week :More Mullens! Jimmy G is done for quite awhile and the 49ers feel comfortable with Mullens at the helm.
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