The 2022 NFL season is just weeks away and teams are already wrapping up their preparations.
Aside from playing their final preseason games, they will have to whittle down their active roster to 53.
Therefore, a lot of difficult decisions will be made by coaches in the coming days.
One position that most teams don’t have a problem with is quarterback because they have their depth chart on lock.
Recently, the Carolina Panthers named Baker Mayfield as their starter for Week 1 against, of all teams, the Cleveland Browns.
But the announcement of their starter this late is more of an exception because the quarterback battle for the majority of the squads has been settled.
However, they are taking caution with their prized players by letting them sit out the preseason.
starting QBs who haven't played in the preseason:
Jacoby Brissett
Lamar Jackson
Joe Burrow*Ryan Tannehill
Derek Carr
Justin Herbert
Russell WilsonDak Prescott
Aaron Rodgers
Kirk Cousins*Tom Brady
Jameis Winston*Matthew Stafford*
Kyler Murray*issues w injury/health
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 24, 2022
NBC Sports’ Warren Sharp took note of the play-callers that haven’t played a single preseason snap yet.
Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, Jameis Winston, and Matthew Stafford are all dealing with health concerns.
Lamar Jackson is coming off a season-ending ankle injury last year while Tom Brady returned from vacation with his family.
As for the other quarterbacks, perhaps their squad is making sure that they won’t get hurt during a meaningless game.
After all, it’s not as if they have to compete for the starting role anymore.
Sure Starters For The 2022 NFL Season
Jacoby Brissett will lead the Cleveland Browns while Deshaun Watson serves his 11-game suspension due to his violation of the league’s player conduct policy.
Meanwhile, the jobs of Derek Carr, Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott, and reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers were never in danger.
Kyler Murray will remain the Arizona Cardinals’ starter for a while after signing a five-year, $230.5 million extension.
Finally, Ryan Tannehill may have been pushed by rookie quarterback Malik Willis for the Tennessee Titans’ starting role.
However, head coach Mike Vrabel will stick with the veteran play-caller.
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