12 NFL teams keep starting quarterbacks out of preseason action
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 11:10 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Over one-third of NFL starting quarterbacks did not play during this year's preseason, reflecting a growing trend among teams prioritizing injury prevention. Notable absences include Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs and Dak Prescott of the Cowboys. Various motivations influenced these decisions, from injury recovery to longstanding coaching philosophies. This trend has resulted in fans mostly seeing backup quarterbacks in preseason games, with starters often appearing only briefly if at all.
- •Chiefs, Cowboys, and Ravens among teams with no starter action
- •Matthew Stafford and Lamar Jackson also rested
- •Teams focus on avoiding injuries during preseason
- •Fans expect to see more backup quarterbacks in games
- •Coaches emphasize player safety over preseason play
- 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — 12 NFL teams did not play their starting quarterbacks in the preseason
"The growing trend of NFL teams keeping their quarterbacks out of the preseason has reached the point where more than one-third of starting quarterbacks did not take a single snap in this year's preseason.
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