NFL Quarterbacks: Dolphins, Bears, Texans Have New Starters; Colts, Steelers Uncertain QBs

There will be several new starting quarterbacks in Week 3 of the 2021 NFL season. Three teams have already ruled their Week 1 and 2 starters out for their upcoming matchups, while a few other starters could potentially be sidelined Sunday.

On Thursday night, the Houston Texans will start Davis Mills instead of Tyrod Taylor, who has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Tua Tagovailoa’s fractured ribs will also keep him off the field, giving Jacoby Brissett the chance to start for the Miami Dolphins against the Las Vegas Raiders. Chicago Bears rookie Justin Fields is set to get his first-ever start, taking over for Andy Dalton against the Cleveland Browns.

Both Tagovailoa and Dalton are considered week-to-week. Bears head coach Matt Nagy said Dalton will get the starting job back when he’s healthy.

The Indianapolis Colts might have to sit Carson Wentz, who left the team’s Week 2 loss against the Los Angeles Rams with two sprained ankles. Jacob Eason attempted five passes in the defeat and is the most likely option to get the nod. Brett Hundley could potentially play for Indianapolis after taking the majority of starter reps in Wednesday’s practice, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The Colts visit the Tennessee Titans in a key AFC South matchup.

Ben Roethlisberger is expected to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cincinnati Bengals, though it’s not a given. A left pectoral injury has kept the veteran off the practice field. Mason Rudolph would get the start if Roethlisberger can’t suit up on Sunday.

Baker Mayfield and Derek Carr both appeared shaken up in Week 2 but are expected to start Sunday.

In Week 2, the Washington Football Team placed starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on IR and Taylor Heinicke moved to the top of the depth chart.