Week 18 of the NFL season has arrived and the playoffs are just around the corner and many teams have ruled out their starting quarterbacks. Some teams need a win this week, some may prefer to lose, and some may prefer to just stay healthy for the postseason. Here are all of the quarterbacks ruled out or unlikely to play for week 18.
Multiple Starting Quarterbacks Ruled Out For Week 18
Patrick Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs sit at 15-1 and have the AFC’s number-one seed locked up. Due to that, the Chiefs are resting superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes to give him extra rest before the playoffs. Carson Wentz will get the start for the Chiefs on Sunday. This is significant because Kansas City’s opponent, the Denver Broncos, can clinch a wild card spot with a win. A Broncos win would eliminate the Dolphins and Bengals from the playoffs.
Jalen Hurts
After suffering a concussion in week 16, Jalen Hurts is not set to miss the Eagles final two games. Philadelphia is already locked into the two seed in the NFC, and Hurts should be ready to go for the divisional round. Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown have formed a scary offensive trio in Philadelphia. Hurts’s dual-threat ability has been critical to the Eagles’ success on offense. Backup Kenny Pickett will step in for the second straight week.
Brock Purdy
Quarterback Brock Purdy will miss the 49ers season finale with an elbow injury. It has been a disappointing season for Purdy and San Francisco as Purdy has dealt with injuries all season. This is a meaningless game as both the 49ers and Cardinals are eliminated from playoff contention. Purdy and San Francisco will look to have a much better year in 2025.
Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa is unlikely to play in week 18 due to a hip injury. The Dolphins, still fighting for playoff positioning, will rely on backup Tyler Huntley to get them a win and keep the season alive. Tua’s precision passing and ability to stretch the field with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are instrumental to Miami’s offensive success. His health has been a concern, and this absence highlights the team’s need to protect their franchise quarterback better or reevaluate if Tagovailoa is their guy.
Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson’s season ends prematurely as he’s ruled out with a back injury. The Colts, and Richardson, have had an up-and-down season. Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance but also flashes of disaster. Veteran Joe Flacco will take over, providing stability but lacking the explosive rushing upside Richardson offers. The Colts are now focused on Richardson’s recovery and his development for the 2025 season.
Derek Carr
The Saints season has been a disaster. This is also true for Derek Carr, who has battled injuries all season and is once again out in week 18. His absence due to a shoulder injury leaves the Saints relying on backup Spencer Rattler for Week 18. Carr has been inconsistent in his first two seasons with New Orleans, but his leadership and experience have been valuable for young players. The Saints are out of playoff contention, so this game will serve as an opportunity to further evaluate Rattler and younger talent for the future.
Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford will very likely miss Week 18 due to a coach’s decision. The Rams are locked into either the three or four seed, and head coach Sean McVay has decided that he is extremely likely to bench his starters. With the Rams locked into a playoff spot, McVay wants to get Stafford an extra week of rest. This is a very important decision because the Rams could fall to the four seed and have to play the loser of Vikings vs Lions on Sunday. If Tampa Bay wins and Los Angeles loses, Tampa Bay will take the three seed from the Rams. McVay seems to think the extra week of rest is more important than the 3rd vs 4th seed. Journeyman and backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start on Sunday against the Seahawks.
These absences highlight the physical toll the season has taken on quarterbacks, raising concerns about durability and team depth heading into the playoffs and beyond.
Main Image: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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