Week 3 of the NFL season features several key quarterback injuries that could impact team performance, fantasy football, and betting lines. Pro Football Doc, Dr. David Chao, shares his insights on the latest updates.
Jayden Daniels – Knee (Commanders)
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels logged three straight DNPs due to a knee sprain.
By video review, the injury didn’t appear significant, and the MRI showed no structural damage. Coach Dan Quinn described it as a sprain, but Dr. Chao believes that may have been more about terminology than actual ligament damage.
On Friday, the Commanders officially ruled out Daniels this week, and Marcus Mariota will get the start vs. the Raiders.
Brock Purdy – Turf Toe (49ers)
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continues to battle turf toe, with head coach Kyle Shanahan originally estimating a 2–5 week absence. Dr. Chao believes it’s still trending closer to two weeks than five.
The key factor is that the injury is to Purdy’s right foot (back foot), which affects his ability to push off when throwing. If it were his left foot, he’d likely already be playing. Purdy has been limited in practice, and his Week 3 status remains questionable but possible.
Unlike Joe Burrow’s Grade 3 turf toe that requires surgery, Purdy’s is a sprain, giving him a legitimate chance to return soon. Kyle Shanahan said it’s “highly unlikely” Brock Purdy will start Sunday
JJ McCarthy – High Ankle Sprain (Vikings)
The Vikings will sit JJ McCarthy in Week 3, but the decision is less about the ankle injury and more about development.
McCarthy has a mild high ankle sprain, the type of injury Patrick Mahomes has played through, and he even finished his last game. However, head coach Kevin O’Connell chose to sit him, knowing that McCarthy still needs practice reps.
Dr. Chao notes that veterans like Stafford, Rodgers, or Lawrence can play without practice, but McCarthy is still adjusting to NFL speed. Through two games, he’s had “seven bad quarters, one good quarter,” and a short reset could help him long-term.
This mirrors what the Panthers did with Bryce Young as a rookie — giving him a week or two to recover and learn from the sidelines.
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