Week 9 is shaping up as a rare showcase for backup quarterbacks. Five are expected to start, and three are stepping in for teams still chasing playoff spots. It’s a reminder that, in a quarterback-driven league, a team’s fortunes can sometimes hinge on its backup.
Shedeur Sanders will start for Deshaun Watson in Cleveland, Drew Lock will take over for Sam Darnold in Seattle, and Carson Wentz will replace Kyler Murray in Minnesota. Arizona is turning to Gardner Minshew, while Philadelphia will start Joe Milton. The Cardinals and Eagles are both below .500 and outside the playoff picture.
Minshew’s most recent start came with Las Vegas on Oct. 6, 2024. Unlike most of the other backups starting this week, he has already been given a chance to stay in the role beyond this game.
Milton is making his first NFL start. Philadelphia has not said whether he’ll keep the job, but Jalen Hurts’ season-ending injury gives Milton an opening if he performs well.
Lock last started on Sept. 20 against Arizona, throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns. Darnold is expected to return once healthy.
Sanders’ most recent regular-season start was Jan. 4, 2026, when Cleveland beat Cincinnati 20–18. It was his seventh start of his rookie season. He isn’t expected to take Watson’s job, though a strong performance could make him a more serious option if Watson struggles again.
Wentz may have the clearest opportunity to make a case for himself. He has thrown five touchdown passes on 101 snaps for Minnesota this season. Murray, by contrast, has thrown six touchdowns in more than 300 snaps and has been inconsistent.
