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NFL Week 14 Injury Watch: Key Quarterbacks Go Down, Contenders Face Tough Questions
As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, Week 14 delivered more than just playoff implications-it brought a wave of injuries that could reshape the outlook for several teams. From quarterback shakeups in Indianapolis and Washington to tough breaks in Las Vegas and New York, here’s a closer look at five key injuries we’re tracking after this week’s action.
Colts Lose Daniel Jones to Torn Achilles, AFC South Hopes in Jeopardy
The Colts’ trip to Jacksonville turned grim when quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a non-contact injury to his right leg. It was clear immediately that something wasn’t right.
After planting his foot post-throw, Jones crumpled to the turf, clutching his Achilles. He was ruled out shortly after, and postgame reports confirmed the worst: a torn Achilles that will require surgery.
Jones finished the day 5-of-7 for 60 yards and a pick before exiting, and the Colts went on to lose 36-19. Now sitting at 8-5, Indianapolis has dropped three straight and fallen behind the 9-4 Jaguars in the AFC South race. And with no clear-cut answer under center, the road ahead just got a lot steeper.
Rookie Riley Leonard, a sixth-rounder out of Notre Dame, stepped in and showed some poise but also the growing pains you’d expect from a young QB thrown into the fire. He completed 18-of-29 passes for 145 yards and an interception. Meanwhile, third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with an orbital fracture and isn’t expected back soon.
The Colts have found ways to stay competitive all season, but losing Jones-and lacking a veteran backup-puts their playoff hopes on shaky ground.
Commanders' Slide Continues as Daniels, Ertz Go Down
It’s been a brutal season in Washington, and Sunday’s 31-0 loss to the Vikings only deepened the disappointment. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had just returned after missing three games, re-injured his left elbow in the third quarter after taking a hit during an interception return. Head coach Dan Quinn said Daniels could’ve returned if the game had been closer, but with the Commanders already out of playoff contention, there was little reason to risk it.
The more concerning injury came later in the third quarter. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz took a low hit from Minnesota safety Jay Ward and immediately grabbed his right knee.
The emotional reaction-Ertz was seen crying as he was carted off-told the story. Postgame, Quinn said the team fears a torn ACL.
At 3-10 and officially eliminated from playoff contention, Washington’s season has unraveled quickly. The injuries to Daniels and Ertz only add to the frustration for a team that was in the NFC Championship Game just a year ago.
Geno Smith Exits with Shoulder Injury, Pickett Steps In for Raiders
Geno Smith’s afternoon in Las Vegas was cut short after he suffered a right shoulder injury following a cut on his hand earlier in the game. Smith had completed 13-of-21 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown before being forced out. Head coach Pete Carroll said the shoulder is “jammed up” and locked, though early evaluations didn’t show structural damage.
If Smith can’t go in Week 15, the Raiders will likely turn to Kenny Pickett. The former first-round pick has starting experience under his belt from his time with the Steelers and Eagles, and he looked sharp in relief-going 8-of-11 for 97 yards and a touchdown against Denver.
At 2-11, the Raiders aren’t in the playoff hunt, but the final stretch of the season could be a valuable evaluation period for Pickett as Vegas looks ahead to 2026.
Tyrod Taylor Injured Early, Jets' QB Carousel Spins Again
The Jets' quarterback situation continues to be a revolving door, and Sunday didn’t offer any stability. Tyrod Taylor exited in the first quarter of New York’s loss to the Dolphins with a groin injury after completing just 1-of-4 passes for six yards and a pick. Head coach Aaron Glenn said postgame that Taylor’s status for Week 15 is uncertain.
Justin Fields, who had been benched in favor of Taylor, didn’t suit up due to lingering knee soreness. That left undrafted rookie Brady Cook-out of Missouri-to take the reins. Cook showed flashes but also rookie struggles, finishing 14-of-30 for 163 yards and two interceptions in a 34-10 loss.
If both Taylor and Fields remain sidelined, Cook could be in line for his first NFL start next week against Jacksonville-a tough draw against a defense that ranks top-10 in points allowed.
Looking Ahead
Injuries are part of the game, but the timing here couldn’t be worse for teams like the Colts and Commanders, both of whom had playoff aspirations just a few weeks ago. For the Raiders and Jets, these quarterback injuries may not impact the postseason picture, but they will shape how each franchise evaluates its future at the position.
With just a handful of weeks left in the regular season, the margin for error is razor-thin. And for these teams, staying healthy might be the biggest challenge of all.