QB Injuries

Injuries are a part of the game.  There have been several notable injuries at quarterback to teams that are in the playoff hunt.  Chicago, Kansas City and Houston are a few teams that have had their starting quarterbacks go down with major injuries.

In Chicago’s case Jay Cutler was injured in a win against San Diego on Sunday. Cutler broke his thumb late in the  game.  He will be out at least five weeks and backup Caleb Hanie will be called upon to start.  Hanie’s only notable experience came in the NFC Championship against Green Bay last season.

The Chiefs lost their starter Matt Cassel for the season.  Cassel only had 10 TDs with 9 interceptions on the season, but with starting tailback Jamaal Charles already done for the year his leadership was needed.  Tyler Palko made his first start for the Chiefs on Monday Night Football against the Patriots. Kansas City lost 34-3.

The Texans had their starting quarterback Matt Schaub go down in Week 10 in a 37-9 blowout against the Bucaneers.  Schaub had thrown for 15 TDs and 6 interceptions on the season before suffering a Lisfranc injury to his midfoot. Insert former Arizona Cardinal/ USC bust former 1st round draft pick Matt Leinart.  Leinart hasn’t started a game since 2009, but he will lead the 7-3 Texans against the Jaguars after having a bye to prepare.

Another injury that was just as publicized was that of Michael Vick.  His injured ribs wouldn’t allow him to start against the Giants last Sunday night. Nevertheless, Philadelphia was able to defeat the NFC East leading Giants 17-10.  Vick’s backup Vince Young (playing on a 1 year contract) completed 23 of 36 passes for 258 yards with 2 TDs.

So, sometimes bring the backup in can almost help.  It gave a change of pace for the 3-6 Eagles.  But, not every team has backup quarterbacks as capable as Vince Young.  In related news, Kyle Orton was waived by Denver today.  Look for him to possibly go back to Chicago.  With Tebow’s success Orton was the odd man out with Brady Quinn as the backup and Orton owed $2 million for the rest of the season.