Updates on seven NFL QBs coming back from huge accidents: What we have seen from Rodgers, Cousins and Burrow

Whereas 66 quarterbacks began an NFL sport within the 2023 season, seven starting signal-callers had their campaigns finish prematurely as a result of harm. Some exited sooner than others (e.g. Aaron Rodgers after just one collection), however all are again this season. With three video games behind us on the 2024 schedule, how are all seven wanting of their returns?

We known as on our NFL Nation reporters to judge the optimistic and regarding indicators from every quarterback’s play up to now. Are they near their unique type, or do they nonetheless want extra time? Test in with every quarterback under, beginning with one struggling crew’s star passer.

Bounce to a quarterback:
J. Burrow | K. Cousins | J. Herbert
D. Jones | A. Richardson
A. Rodgers | D. Watson

What occurred final season: Torn ligament in right wrist (Week 11 vs. Ravens). The Bengals went 4-3 after Burrow’s departure with Jake Browning at quarterback. They missed the playoffs for the primary time since 2020 and completed in final place within the AFC North.

2024 stats: 5 passing touchdowns (tied for fifth), 746 passing yards (seventh), 62.5 Complete QBR (eighth), 70.9% completion share (eighth)

What has gone proper this season: After a training camp that left a lot of questions, Burrow has seemed higher because the season has progressed. In every of his first three weeks, his QBR and yards per try have elevated considerably. He said his wrist would continue to improve because the season continues. After the Week 3 loss to Washington, Burrow mentioned he felt nice. His two landing passes to Ja’Marr Chase had been his first on throws of 15 or extra air yards since he suffered the torn ligament.

What has gone incorrect this season: Historically, Burrow has been one of many league’s most correct quarterbacks. After the harm, nevertheless, that has taken a slight dip. He has been off course on 14.9% of his throws, in response to ESPN Analysis. That’s the highest price of his profession, even when it is solely barely above his profession mark of 12.6%. — Ben Child

What occurred final season: Torn right Achilles (Week 8 vs. Packers). Rookie Jaren Hall, Joshua Dobbs (acquired from the Cardinals) and Nick Mullens all began for the Vikings within the second half of the season. Minnesota misplaced its final 4 video games and missed out on an NFC wild-card spot. Cousins then signed a four-year deal with the Falcons in March.

2024 stats: 4 passing touchdowns (tied for ninth), 626 passing yards (18th), 49.1 QBR (nineteenth), 66.7% completion share (nineteenth)

What has gone proper this season: Cousins can nonetheless get it performed when his crew wants him most and when he is protected. He led a game-sealing drive towards the Eagles in Week 2, going 5-of-6 for 70 yards and a 7-yard landing move to vast receiver Drake London. When Cousins will not be pressured, he is 39-of-55 for 405 yards and 4 touchdowns, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats.

What has gone incorrect this season: Traditionally, Cousins has been good towards the blitz — his 51 touchdowns in these conditions are tied with Josh Allen for essentially the most over the previous 5 seasons. He would not appear to be fully comfy with stress since his harm. This season, he is 11-of-22 with a minus-0.7% completion share over expectation (CPOE) towards a blitz, per NGS. His passer ranking drops from 116.1 to 43.1 with three interceptions when he is below stress. — Marc Raimondi

What occurred final season: Fractured right finger (Week 14 vs. Broncos). Easton Stick misplaced all 4 of his begins with a 65.3% completion share and 53.4 Complete QBR. The Chargers completed final within the AFC West, falling below .500 for the primary time since 2020.

2024 stats: 4 passing touchdowns (tied for ninth), 399 passing yards (twenty ninth), 55.2 QBR (thirteenth), 67.2% completion share (18th)

What has gone proper this season: Herbert’s finger hasn’t been a difficulty. His passing stats are down, however that is solely as a result of the Chargers have one of many league’s best rushing offenses. L.A.’s 459 dashing yards are the seventh most within the league, and beginning working again J.K. Dobbins leads the NFL with 7.4 yards per try.

What has gone incorrect this season: Herbert’s 2024 season has already been hindered by two separate accidents. On Aug. 1, he was identified with a plantar fascia injury in his proper foot and put in a strolling boot for 2 weeks. Herbert suffered a high right ankle sprain in Week 2 towards the Panthers and left the Steelers sport in Week 3 within the third quarter after aggravating that injury. His standing for Sunday’s game against Kansas City is in critical doubt. — Kris Rhim

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What occurred final season: Torn right ACL (Week 9 vs. Raiders). Jones’ harm was the second time he’d had his season finish early in three years. The Giants pivoted to Tommy DeVito, who confirmed some promise by successful three straight video games. However DeVito was benched for Tyrod Taylor halfway by New York’s Week 16 loss to the Eagles, and the Giants completed 6-11.

2024 stats: 4 passing touchdowns (tied for ninth), 600 passing yards (tied for twentieth), 52.7 QBR (sixteenth), 59.6% completion share (twenty sixth)

What has gone proper this season: The Giants have not been shy about utilizing Jones’ legs coming off the harm. They’ve known as 9 designed runs by three video games. Jones has constantly mentioned his knee is not even a consideration at this level. He is again to his previous self bodily.

What has gone incorrect this season: The one noticeable spot the place Jones hasn’t fairly seemed the identical has been along with his accuracy, which may very well be a results of not feeling absolutely assured in his plant leg. It was evident throughout coaching camp and has stretched into the season. Jones’ off-target price on passes was 15.5% over his first 5 years within the NFL. It is at 20.4% this season. — Jordan Raanan

What occurred final season: AC joint sprain in right shoulder (Week 5 vs. Titans). After sitting out the Colts’ Week 3 sport due to a concussion, Richardson injured his throwing shoulder within the first half towards Tennessee. Indianapolis elevated Gardner Minshew to the beginning function, which he maintained for the remainder of the season. The Colts missed out on the playoffs with a 23-19 loss to the Texans in Week 18.

2024 stats: Three passing touchdowns (tied for sixteenth), 583 passing yards (twenty third), 49.6 QBR (18th), 49.3% completion share (thirty first)

What has gone proper this season: Any harm to a quarterback’s throwing shoulder creates legit concern about everlasting harm. Within the case of Richardson, his shoulder has confirmed to be as sturdy as ever. He has displayed the identical highly effective arm he has lengthy been famend for, at present main the NFL in air yards per try (11.9).

What has gone incorrect this season: Richardson is off to a hot-and-cold begin, along with his accuracy proving to be a much bigger situation than it was all through his restricted rookie season. Richardson is finishing 49.1% of his makes an attempt, and there are questions concerning the inconsistency of his mechanics and its have an effect on on his accuracy. Relatedly, he leads the NFL with six interceptions. Might all of this be linked to his lengthy harm layoff? — Stephen Holder

What occurred final season: Torn left Achilles (Week 1 vs. Payments). Zach Wilson led the Jets to victory in the remainder of their season opener towards the Payments, sustaining the beginning spot by Week 11. Tim Boyle began two video games due to Wilson’s struggles, however he was launched earlier than Trevor Siemian completed out the season. The Jets went 7-10 for the second straight 12 months.

2024 stats: 5 passing touchdowns (tied for fifth), 624 passing yards (nineteenth), 60.3 QBR (eleventh), 67.4% completion share (seventeenth)

What has gone proper this season: After restricted mobility within the first two video games, Rodgers made a drastic enchancment in Week 3, displaying the power to flee the pocket and make off-platform throws in a win over the Patriots. He was 6-for-6 when throwing outdoors the pocket. Father Time has robbed a few of his velocity and quickness, however he was so inspired after the sport that he mentioned, “I felt like I used to be myself fairly a couple of years in the past.” It is unrealistic to anticipate a 40-year-old coming off Achilles surgical procedure to play this manner each week. However this provides defenses one thing else to consider when making ready for him.

What has gone incorrect this season: Rodgers is averaging 6.5 air yards per try, simply the bottom of his profession. This is not a lot a priority, however it’s one thing that must be watched. For essentially the most half, the passing offense has been dink-and-dunk, with Rodgers averaging a speedy 2.51 seconds from snap to throw. Is that by design or is he unloading the ball shortly to keep away from taking hits? To date, it is working pretty properly, however you get the sensation there is a dimension to the offense that stills must be unlocked. — Wealthy Cimini

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What occurred final season: Broken bone in right shoulder (Week 10 vs. Ravens). Watson sporadically sat out by the early half of the season after a rotator cuff strain in Week 3. After he was formally dominated out for the 12 months, the Browns began Dorian Thompson-Robinson for 2 weeks. Joe Flacco then stepped in and went 4-2 to clinch an unbelievable playoff berth for Cleveland. The magic led to a 45-14 loss to the Texans within the wild-card spherical.

2024 stats: Three passing touchdowns (tied for sixteenth), 551 passing yards (twenty sixth), 22.5 QBR (thirtieth), 57.8% completion share (twenty eighth)

What has gone proper this season: The mobility that made Watson among the best dual-threat quarterbacks throughout his time with the Texans seems to nonetheless be there. He is tenth amongst quarterbacks in dashing yards (85) and has used his quickness to evade sacks numerous occasions behind an offensive line that’s tied for the seventh-most move block losses (37).

What has gone incorrect this season: Watson and the crew have mentioned his shoulder is wholesome and again to full energy, however Watson continues to battle with accuracy. His off-target price — 24.5% — is the third worst within the league and can be Watson’s lowest mark in a season in his profession. Watson has additionally struggled pushing the ball downfield, as his 32.3% completion price on passes that journey 10 or extra yards is third worst within the NFL. — Daniel Oyefusi