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The 2025 NFL season has already seen its share of injuries through the first 10 weeks. But the injured reserve could get bigger after Week 11’s games.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. abandoned their matches against their respective opponents on Sunday. Rodgers’ left the Steelers’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals, as Penix left the Falcons’ game against the Carolina Panthers.
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Panthers quarterback Bryce Young played through an ankle injury and at one point was seen writhing in pain due to the issue. Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love also had to leave the game with a bruised shoulder.
They were far from the only quarterbacks dealing with some pain.
Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) holds his arm after a hit by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Aaron Rodgers left the game with a left hand injury. He was seen holding his wrist after being tackled by a pair of Bengals defenders. He was doubtful about returning, but never came back. Instead, Mason Rudolph entered the game and Pittsburgh pounded on Joe Flacco for the 34-12 win.
Rodgers was 9-of-15 with 116 passing yards and a touchdown pass.
Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ game in the third quarter. He was diagnosed with a knee injury and was listed as questionable. He did not return as the game went into overtime. Instead, it was Kirk Cousins who was back under center for Atlanta.
He was 13-of-16 with 175 passing yards.
Cousins helped the Falcons force overtime. However, Atlanta lost 30-27.
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Jordan love
Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Packers quarterback Jordan Love briefly left the team’s 27-20 win over the New York Giants with a left shoulder injury. He would later return to help Green Bay get the win with a pair of clutch plays. When he was benched, Malik Willis threw a touchdown pass.
Love was 13-of-24 with 174 passing yards and two touchdown passes in the win.
Marcus Mariota
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) goes to the ground after trying for a first down during the second half of an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
The Washington Commanders had to have Marcus Mariota go to the sideline to be checked out late in their game against the Miami Dolphins.
He was evaluated for a concussion and was able to return to the game. On his return, he ran the ball to the red zone hoping to set up a Commanders score. But to no avail.
The Commanders lost to the Dolphins, 16-13, in overtime. It was the first ever regular season game played in Madrid. Mariota was 20-of-30 with 213 passing yards, one touchdown pass and one interception.
Backups are already starting
New York Giants’ Jameis Winston throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
While fans saw a few more quarterbacks go down, there were already plenty of backups from Week 11.
Mariota was one of them when Jayden Daniels suffered a gruesome injury a few weeks ago. Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco started against Rodgers and the Steelers as he has been the third quarterback the team has played this season. Joe Burrow has been out on a limb.
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Davis Mills started again for the Houston Texans in place of CJ Stroud. He helped the Texans get back to .500 with a 16-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. Jameis Winston started for the Giants against the Packers in place of the injured Jaxson Dart.
The Cardinals started Jacoby Brissett again in place of Kyler Murray. Dillon Gabriel started for the Cleveland Browns. While he isn’t technically a backup quarterback, he started the season at QB2 before the team traded Flacco to the Bengals.
