Quarterbacks Suffer Significant Injuries In Week 10

Some NFL teams might want to forget last Sunday. That’s because quarterbacks suffered significant injuries in Week 10 action.  The injuries include a possible season-ending hand injury to Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, a significant foot injury to the Texans’ Matt Schaub, 2 broken ribs to the Eagles Michael Vick and a broken right thumb to the Steelers Ben Roethlisberger.

Kansas City Chiefs Matt Cassel could be lost for the season after suffering a significant injury to his throwing hand in the Chiefs loss (17-10) to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.  The injury occurred late in the 4th quarter when Cassel was sacked by Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller. He was replaced by Tyler Palko in the final offensive series against the Broncos.

“He will probably have to have surgery at some time,” KC coach Todd Haley said. “The length of it, we’re not sure, but there’s some optimism. Each person it varies, but it’s a difficult injury.”  Haley refused to say if Cassel will put on injured reserve.

Palko is likely to replace Cassel in his first NFL start against the Patriots Monday night. Fifth-round draft choice Ricky Stanzi, who has been inactive all season, would become the backup.  However, the Chiefs haven’t ruled out the option of signing a veteran free agent to add some depth at the quarterback position.

Houston Texan quarterback Matt Schaub suffered a “significant right foot injury” and will miss at least the Texans’ next game in two weeks.  Schaub was injured on a quarterback sneak late in the second quarter of Houston’s 37-9 win over the Tampa Ray Bucs.  He stayed in the game, but threw only three passes in the second half.  Sixth-year veteran Matt Leinart will take over for Straub when the Texans play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 27.

Philadelphia Eagles Michael Vick broke 2 ribs on the second play of the Eagles 21-17 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals and played through the pain.  He completed 16-of-34 passes for 128 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.  “We’ll see in the next couple days how things go.” Eagles coach Andy Reid said when asked about Vick playing against the Giants on Sunday in week 11 action. Vick is questionable to play next Sunday,  if unable to go, backup QB Vince Young will take over.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger broke his right thumb in Sunday’s 24-17 win at Cincinnati.  Roethlisberger noticed the injury during the second half and didn’t miss a snap.  He was 7 for 11 after halftime, all but one of the passes were short throws.  The injury is not expected to keep him out of action.  The Steelers enjoy a bye in Week 11 before playing in Kansas City, Sunday night, November. 27.

Significant injuries to starting quarterbacks is inevitable.  NFL coaches dread these injuries but it’s something they need to prepare for.  We’ll have to wait for to see how these injuries impact the effected teams.