Being a quarterback brings fame, but it is also a dangerous profession. It was a true carnage that struck the players at this key position in the eighth week of NFL action.
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A team’s plans can change drastically in an instant. Or rather, sometimes in the blink of an eye…
Talk to the Vikings, who despite a third straight win, this time against the Packers, are likely without the services of Kirk Cousins for the rest of the season.
The Vikings pivot felt severe pain without even the slightest contact and had to leave the game. This is often an indication of a ruptured Achilles tendon, which several informants suspected barely an hour after the meeting.
The consequences are serious for the Vikings. Cousins has never missed a game due to injury. He has already scored 18 touchdown passes this season.
The team will now have to rely on rookie quarterback Jaren Hall, a fifth-round pick. The offense, which was firing on all cylinders, was silenced after Cousins’ injury.
Of course we have to give the young man a chance without crucifying him for two series. He did well in summer training camp, but nothing will replace the experience and productivity of Cousins, even if many fans take great pleasure in messing with him. And to think he barely had a euphoric moment when the Vikings surprised the 49ers in the Monday Night Spotlight six days earlier.
The Vikings, barely afloat after a disastrous start with a 4-4 record, now appear doomed with their two best offensive players in Cousins and Justin Jefferson sidelined.
Several injured
Kenny Pickett had to leave the game against the Jaguars in the second quarter. Getty Images via AFP
In Pittsburgh, it was Kenny Pickett who fell in the fight against the Jaguars after injuring his ribs. Let’s assume that in his case it’s not such a monumental loss, because even when he’s at full health, the Steelers offense doesn’t improve at all.
In the loss, Mitchell Trubisky orchestrated the only offensive drive that resulted in a touchdown, but was also the victim of two interceptions. Trubisky has lost four of his last five starts with the Steelers.
The Rams, trying to maintain their 3-5 record, have lost the services of Matthew Stafford due to a thumb injury. Brett Rypien, who replaced him, has just three career starts and has thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdown passes (4).
When we compare ourselves, we comfort ourselves, these experienced teams can say to themselves. The Giants, already without their starter Daniel Jones, saw his replacement Tyrod Taylor go down with a rib injury.
When the Giants hand the ball to Tommy DeVito, an undrafted rookie quarterback, things go pretty badly. The poor guy only completed two of his seven passes against the Jets for a total of -1 yard, an overtime loss.
Change in Atlanta
For the Falcons, Desmond Ridder was evaluated for a concussion but was given the green light to return to the field against the Titans.
The only problem was that the Falcons didn’t want to see him back on the field and instead asked Taylor Heinicke to finish the game. It remains to be seen whether this is the end of the Ridder experience for the Falcons (4-4), who remain at the top of their division with the Saints breathing down their necks with an identical record.
With fame comes price for quarterbacks in the NFL, in every way imaginable.