NFL Week 2 QB Casualty List: Jaxson Dart, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels Sidelined in Brutal Slate

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season proved disastrous for young starting quarterbacks across the league. Three key signal-callers—Jaxson Dart, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels—were knocked out of their respective matchups, leaving their franchises facing early-season uncertainty at the sport’s most critical position.

These injuries will have a huge impact on these three teams’ season, and we are only two weeks in. Washington may as well call it a year, as should the Gioants, and the Bears are hoping that the hammy of Williams won’t be a problem moving foward once he returns.

1. Jaxson Dart (New York Giants) — Left Knee Injury

• How It Happened: On the opening possession of Monday night’s 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Dart was hit in the pocket by converging pass rushers Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart. Stewart made contact with Dart’s lower body, causing his left knee to bend awkwardly.
• Status & Outlook: Initial postgame reports indicated an optimistic outlook for an MCL sprain. However, follow-up testing on Tuesday revealed the structural damage was significantly worse than expected. ESPN and NFL Network report that Dart is facing potential season-ending knee surgery. He will be placed on injured reserve, leaving backup Jameis Winston to take over under center.

2. Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) — Right Hamstring Strain

• How It Happened: Late in the fourth quarter of Chicago’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Williams scrambled out of the pocket on a 1st-and-goal play from the 6-yard line. As he pointed to a receiver and eluded a diving defender, Williams pulled up with a non-contact right leg injury and crumpled to the ground before being carted off.
• Status & Outlook: Evaluation confirmed a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. Head coach Ben Johnson listed Williams as week-to-week. While the team has not officially ruled him out for Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, a mobile quarterback dealing with a hamstring strain makes a rush back unlikely.

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— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 20, 2026

3. Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) — Dislocated Left Elbow

• How It Happened: During a red-zone snap against the Dallas Cowboys, Daniels was forced out of his rhythm, stumbled near the goal line, and extended his left arm to brace his fall. His non-throwing elbow buckled under his weight.
• Status & Outlook: Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow—the exact same joint he dislocated during his 2025 campaign. X-rays showed no structural fractures, but Daniels has already been ruled out for Week 3. Veteran Marcus Mariota will start in his place while doctors evaluate whether surgery is required to stabilize the ligament.