Backup QBs set to start in NFL Week 18: Injuries and rest shake up season finale

This NFL season has set up a wild finale as four NFL teams are still fighting for the last two spots in the postseason and several division titles are on the line. However, it is the final week, which means injuries have piled up and rest is a top priority for many of those who’ve already sealed their spot in the playoffs.

That sets up Week 18 to have the potential to see 11 backup quarterbacks start this Saturday and Sunday. Some have been confirmed while others are waiting until later in the week to make their final decision, but here’s what we could see happen in the final week of the season.

Final week QB shuffle: Which NFL backups will start in Week 18?

Confirmed

Chargers - Trey Lance (for Justin Herbert)

Charger’s head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Justin Herbert will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos to ensure he is healthy for the playoffs. Herbert, who has been playing with a broken left hand, won’t suit up for the game. Trey Lance will start, with DJ Uiagalelei serving as backup after being promoted from the practice squad.

Harbaugh emphasized the decision is part of a broader strategy to rest players with injuries and maximize postseason health. Herbert’s 2025 season ends with 16 starts, 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Lance will make his sixth career NFL start.

Chiefs - Chris Oladoku (for Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew)

Patrick Mahomes is out for the rest of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, ending his playing year and putting him on the shelf while he begins rehab. With Mahomes sidelined, backup Gardner Minshew took over as the starter, but he suffered a knee injury of his own early in a recent game and did not return. Minshew’s injury leaves him unavailable for the Chiefs’ remaining games. As a result, third‑string quarterback Chris Oladokun, recently signed to the active roster, has stepped in and is expected to start, as he is the only healthy QB currently available on Kansas City’s roster.

Jets - Brady Cook (for Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor)

The Jets are expected to start Brady Cook for their season finale against the Bills due to injuries to both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, with Hendon Hooker serving as Cook’s backup.

Potential

Commanders - Josh Johnson (for Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota)

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota may be unavailable for Week 18 against the Eagles due to injuries to his throwing hand and quadriceps, as well as stitches in his right hand. Coach Dan Quinn said Mariota’s status is “still a stretch” and will be clearer midweek.

If Mariota cannot play, veteran Josh Johnson will make his second straight start. Johnson, 39, started last week against the Cowboys, completing 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards in a 30-23 loss. In four appearances this season, he has 241 passing yards and one interception. Backup Jeff Driskel would serve as the No. 2 QB if Johnson starts.

Starter Jayden Daniels remains sidelined due to an elbow injury that limited him to seven games this season.

Raiders - Kenny Pickett or Aidan O’Connell (for Geno Smith)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith suffered a high-ankle sprain late in Week 17 and is listed as day-to-day. Head coach Pete Carroll said it “will be hard for him to play” against the Kansas City Chiefs.

If Smith cannot go, the Raiders face a decision between Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell for the Week 18 start.

Bills - Mitchell Trubisky (for Josh Allen)

The Buffalo Bills are expected to rest quarterback Josh Allen for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets to protect his foot injury suffered earlier in the season. Beat reporter Sal Maiorana notes this move would help Allen recover and preserve his health for the playoffs while still giving Buffalo a chance to improve its wildcard seeding.

If Allen sits, Mitchell Trubisky would start under center. The Bills are likely to play most of their starters initially but may pull them early if the game is comfortably in hand.

Colts - Riley Leonard (for Daniel Jones and Philip Rivers)

The Indianapolis Colts are deciding whether veteran Philip Rivers or rookie Riley Leonard will start in Sunday’s season finale against the Houston Texans. Head coach Shane Steichen said a final decision will be made on Tuesday after evaluating both quarterbacks in practice.

Rivers, 44, came out of nearly five years of retirement to start the last three games and has thrown for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions over three starts. Leonard, a sixth-round rookie, has limited experience, playing one game for three quarters after Daniel Jones’ injury, completing 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards with a rushing touchdown and one interception.

Steichen emphasized that the choice balances player development and competitiveness, noting Rivers is supportive of whichever direction the team chooses and Leonard could benefit from the experience if given the start.

Packers - Clayton Tune or Malik Willis (for Jordan Love)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love’s status for Week 18 against the Vikings is uncertain due to a concussion. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Love will resume starting over Malik Willis when healthy but did not confirm if either will play in the regular-season finale.

Willis, who left late in Week 17 with a shoulder issue, could also be rested. Third-string Clayton Tune replaced Willis in Week 17, leaving the Packers’ QB situation murky. Since the Packers are locked into the No. 7 NFC seed, the team may prioritize resting banged-up quarterbacks ahead of the playoffs.

Vikings - Max Brosmer (for J.J. McCarthy)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is recovering from a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand and his availability for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Packers is still uncertain. Coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy is progressing, but the team will evaluate his grip strength throughout the week. If cleared, McCarthy would make his 10th career start.

Backup Max Brosmer has started the past two games, including Week 17, and recorded his first career win. Veteran QBs John Wolford and Brett Rypien are also being prepared in case McCarthy or Brosmer cannot play.

The Vikings are 8-8 and out of playoff contention, while the Packers are locked into the No. 7 NFC seed. Minnesota will release injury reports on Wednesday and player status designations on Friday.

Eagles - Tanner McKee (for Jalen Hurts)

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said he has not yet decided whether to play starters in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders, including quarterback Jalen Hurts. The team is weighing the benefits of resting key players against the opportunity to improve playoff seeding, as the Eagles can finish no worse than the NFC 3-seed but could move up to the 2-seed with the right combination of results.

Sirianni emphasized the decision involves balancing player rest, preparation, and seeding goals, and noted a hybrid approach is possible, where some starters play while others rest. He expects to finalize the decision in the coming days. If Hurts sits out, Tanner McKee would take over as starter.

Ravens - Tyler Huntley (for Lamar Jackson)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable for Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a back contusion suffered in Week 16. Head coach John Harbaugh said Jackson’s availability will depend on how he looks in practice and clearance from the medical staff, with an update expected Wednesday.

If Jackson cannot play, Tyler Huntley will start, having delivered strong performances in relief this season, including wins over the Packers and Bears.

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