How Do Teams Bounce Back From QB Injuries?

What’s Next For Bears, Commanders, Giants?

The Bears’ ugly 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday take a backseat to Williams’s injury if it winds up sidelining him for longer. But if he returns quickly, it underlines the fact that Chicago did not look great in rainy conditions at home, just a week after scoring 59 points against the Panthers.

If Williams can suit back up following his hamstring injury, he’ll be slightly hampered while running the ball but could still be an effective passer. Should he miss any time, Chicago will be either be led by Tyson Bagent (currently in concussion protocol after Sunday) or third-string veteran Case Keenum.

No matter who’s under center, they’ll be under extreme duress in week three. Despite recording just three sacks in two weeks so far, the Eagles have one of the highest QB pressure rates in the league at 45.2% (according to Next Gen Stats).

In Washington, former first-round pick Marcus Mariota gets the ball against fellow backup Drew Lock and the Super Bowl champ Seattle Seahawks. Mariota was serviceable last week (11-for-16, 111 yards and a touchdown) and when taking over for Daniels in 2025 as well. But he lacks the dynamic play-making ability Daniels typically showcases.

The Giants also got a glimpse of life without their QB on Monday, since Dart left the game in the first quarter, giving way to Jameis Winston. Though the veteran had some good-looking moments against the Rams, he was just 11-of-27 for 111 yards and an interception. New York will face the Titans in week three, and may need to rely on the defense to keep them in the game after putting up just six points in LA.

Which 0-2 Teams Should Panic?

The aforementioned Commanders are on the list, especially given Daniels’s injury. But also lacked the expectations of some of the other 0-2 squads so far. Similarly, the Dolphins and Falcons were not seen as contenders before the season kicked off, and what we’ve seen so far has simply proven that out.

Of the remaining 0-2 teams, the Buccaneers have much to worry about. Tampa Bay squandered opportunities against the Bengals in week one, and then lost to the Browns in week two. Dating back to last December, the Bucs have lost seven of eight games, and 10 of 12 since starting 2025 at 6-2.

While Indianapolis is 0-2 right now, the team also played the Chiefs into overtime last week, and appear to have an offense to keep them in games.

Their AFC South brethren, the Houston Texans, are also 0-2 but lost two of the tougher games on the schedule against the Bills and Bengals, respectively. Houston’s offense is also averaging over 377 yards per game so far, and has numerous winnable games coming up with the Colts, Cowboys, Titans and Giants before the end of October.

Given all of that, the 0-2 team that should be in panic mode is the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Bolts have lost to the easiest part of their schedule, with underwhelming efforts against both the Cardinals and Raiders. At minus-4, they’re tied for the second-worst turnover margin in the league. The defense is allowing almost 350 yards per game, and the offense is averaging just 185 yards through the air – despite having Justin Herbert and hyped new coordinator Mike McDaniel guiding the ship.

Five of the Chargers’ next six games are against 2025 playoff teams, and the only “respite” is the 2-0 Chiefs. Barring a complete turnaround, L.A.’s season is already in a tight spot.

Early Surprises

When the Las Vegas Raiders picked Francisco Mendoza No. 1 overall, the assumption was that he’d likely see the field this season. Yet early returns from veteran Kirk Cousins – who was brought in specifically to buy Mendoza some time – may end up putting off Mendoza’s time a little longer.

With Cousins under center, the Raiders are 2-0 and Cousins is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes with six. Though he’s averaging slightly over 200 yards per game through the air, he’s completing 67.8% of his throws and keeping the offense moving despite the absence of Brock Bowers so far.

Las Vegas has “only” beaten the Dolphins and what could be an off-the-rails Chargers team so far. But there’s a path for an impressive campaign if Cousins can continue his capable play, especially once Bowers returns.

Carolina QB Bryce Young is one of the other big shocks, coming off an impressive second-half effort in 2025. The 1-1 Panthers are averaging 409 yards per game (tied for fourth in the NFL) and 312.5 per game through air, which leads the league. Young is one of just three quarterbacks to throw for over 600 yards so far this season, and he’s tied for the league lead with six TD passes.

He’s now topped 250 passing yards in four straight games (including the playoffs) after having six such games total in his career before week 18 last year.

Are The Kansas City Chiefs Back?

There’s a lot of season remaining, but through two games, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense looks being one of the NFL’s most capable units. Kansas City has the league’s top offense by 30 yards per game more than the No. 2 team, and is top-five in both rushing yards and passing yards per game so far.

While Mahomes looked like he was still getting some rust off in the Chiefs’ week one win over Denver, he was very much back in form in week two, completing 68% of his passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns. Kenneth Walker has also been one of the offseason’s most impressive additions, leading the league in rushing yards and hauling in nine passes.