Injuries can break an NFL team’s season in the blink of an eye, but they can also provide the next man up the opportunity to make their career.

You only have to look at what Drew Bledsoe’s injury back in 2001 did for Tom Brady’s career with the New England Patriots.

What about another example? Well, how about Kurt Warner, who got his opportunity with the Rams after Trent Green tore his ACL back in 1999.

No quarterback is immune to injuries and Patrick Mahomes is testament to that as he recovers from his torn ACL and LCL.

As the 2026 season approaches, NFL Analysis has taken a look at some of the quarterbacks who could make their breakthrough if the starter goes down injured.

Ty Simpson – Los Angeles Rams

Is there anywhere else to start other than the man who stole the headlines on the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Los Angeles Rams stunned everyone when they picked Ty Simpson with the 13^th overall pick in Pittsburgh.

Sean McVay did not look overly impressed by Les Snead’s decision to select the quarterback out of Alabama University, but Simpson could have a huge opportunity to learn from the NFL MVP, Matthew Stafford.

At the age of 38, Stafford is heading into the 2026 term following concerns from last season over a niggling back injury.

Although Stafford will be eager to lead the Super Bowl favourites out in August, his age will certainly be taking a toll on his body, and an opportunity could well arise for Simpson.

In his final season with Alabama, Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Translating that into the NFL is a completely different task, but Simpson would not be the first rookie quarterback to burst onto the scene by being thrown in at the deep end.

Davis Mills – Houston Texans

There are no two ways about it; this is a make-or-break season for CJ Stroud with the Houston Texans.

After his incredible 2023 rookie season, Stroud has simply looked a shadow of his former self, with the 2025 season seeing him miss some time through injury.

In those three games without the former second overall pick, Davis Mills went 3-0 as the starter for the Texans.

Mills led the Texans to victories over the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

With an overall record of 5-1 last season, Mills threw for five touchdowns and only one interception.

Should Stroud suffer another injury, or even fail to inspire the Texans, an opportunity could be handed to Mills to really replicate what he showed in 2025.

The Texans added two new guards in their first four picks of the 2026, which will give Stroud little excuse this season, with David Montgomery also lining up alongside him in the backfield.

Jalen Milroe – Seattle Seahawks

The Super Bowl-winning Sam Darnold silenced his doubters in 2025, but he did end the season with an oblique injury that did cause him some issues last season.

Mike Macdonald does have veteran quarterback Drew Lock as the backup for Darnold, but the 2025 draft pick Jalen Milroe now has a year of NFL experience under his belt.

Having spent a year with the former Alabama quarterback, Macdonald has been impressed with Milroe, who is biding his time in the Pacific North West.

“I think you’ve seen and you’ve felt the growth that Jalen’s had over the course of the year and I’m really excited about it,” Macdonald said back in June.

“At some point, is it the best for the team for us to have Jalen out there? Let’s do it.”

Seattle will know exactly what Lock can offer, having already seen him fill in for Geno Smith in 2023 and stunning the Philadelphia Eagles in a memorable win at Lumen Field.

However, Milroe could provide something completely different, with the young quarterback being a seriously exciting talent to watch out for.