Injury Woes: Can Star Quarterbacks Return in Time for the Playoffs in 2024?
As the 2024 NFL season nears its climax, the spotlight has shifted toward the league’s marquee quarterbacks, some of whom are battling significant injuries that could determine their teams’ playoff hopes. With the postseason just around the corner, the critical question on everyone’s mind is: Can these star quarterbacks return in time to make an impact, or will their injuries derail their playoff ambitions?
Injury woes are not uncommon in the NFL, but the timing of these injuries, especially to elite quarterbacks, can send shockwaves through a team’s playoff aspirations. As the most influential players on the field, the health of star quarterbacks often makes or breaks a season. With some of the league’s top quarterbacks currently sidelined or recovering from various ailments, this year’s race to the postseason is even more unpredictable.
1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Patrick Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP and one of the best quarterbacks of his generation, has been no stranger to playing through pain in his career. However, during a critical mid-season game against the Denver Broncos, Mahomes suffered a mild high ankle sprain. The injury forced him to miss portions of the game, but he played through it after being taped up.
Despite his ability to push through injuries in the past, high ankle sprains can be tricky, and the Chiefs will need a healthy Mahomes to make a deep playoff run. The Chiefs’ offense relies heavily on Mahomes’ mobility and ability to extend plays. While Mahomes is expected to be back in full form by the playoffs, the Chiefs’ ability to protect him, both physically and in terms of offensive line play, will be a major storyline heading into the postseason.
The Chiefs are currently in the thick of a competitive AFC West division, and Mahomes’ health will be crucial for securing a top seed. With a banged-up supporting cast and a tough schedule ahead, all eyes will be on Mahomes as he works to get back to peak form.
2. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Joe Burrow, fresh off a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, has dealt with his fair share of injuries, but none as concerning as the calf strain that sidelined him early in the 2024 season. The Bengals’ star QB was forced to miss significant time, and Cincinnati’s offense struggled without their leader. However, Burrow has shown immense resilience and has steadily worked his way back into form.
By the time the Bengals make a playoff push, Burrow should be healthy, but questions remain about whether he can return to the same level of play that took the team to the AFC Championship Game last season. The Bengals have had their ups and downs without Burrow under center, but with the explosive trio of Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes hinge largely on his ability to lead the offense.
Despite his slow recovery, Burrow is known for his ability to perform under pressure. If the Bengals can clinch a wild card spot or even the AFC North, they’ll be counting on Burrow to return to his elite status for the postseason.
3. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Jalen Hurts, the reigning NFC Champion and MVP runner-up, has taken the NFL by storm with his dual-threat ability. After leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, Hurts came into the 2024 season as one of the favorites for the MVP award. However, he has dealt with some shoulder issues this year, particularly after a Week 10 injury to his throwing arm.
The Eagles’ offense revolves around Hurts’ versatility, making him a key piece in their Super Bowl aspirations. While Hurts has been playing through the injury, reports indicate that his performance has been impacted. He’s still effective, but without his usual arm strength, his accuracy and deep-ball efficiency have been compromised.
The Eagles’ offense has enough talent—featuring A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and a stout offensive line—to carry them through the regular season. But in the playoffs, the stakes will be higher, and Hurts will need to be at 100% to guide the team to another Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles are currently among the top teams in the NFC, but the postseason will present a true test of Hurts’ durability.
4. Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
Aaron Rodgers’ 2024 campaign was supposed to be his reawakening after leaving Green Bay for New York, but a torn Achilles in the season opener sent shockwaves through the NFL. Rodgers was immediately placed on injured reserve, and many feared that his career might be over after such a severe injury.
However, in a shocking turn of events, reports surfaced in mid-November that Rodgers had begun to make remarkable progress in his recovery. Rodgers, never one to shy away from controversy or challenges, is reportedly targeting a return during the latter stages of the regular season or, if the Jets make the playoffs, potentially even earlier.
While it’s unclear whether Rodgers will make it back in time to help his team in the postseason, the mere possibility of a comeback has energized the Jets’ locker room and fanbase. If Rodgers can return to form and lead the Jets into the playoffs, it would be one of the most incredible stories of the season. But as of now, the Jets’ fate largely depends on whether Zach Wilson can step up as a reliable starting quarterback until Rodgers is ready to return.
5. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has been another quarterback whose health has been an ongoing concern throughout his career. Jackson is known for his electric playmaking ability, both in the air and on the ground. However, he has had a history of injuries, particularly with his lower body.
This year, Jackson has missed several games due to a knee injury, and his return to full form remains uncertain. Despite the injury, the Ravens have found success with backup quarterbacks like Tyler Huntley, but they remain much more dangerous with Jackson under center. The Ravens’ playoff prospects hinge on Jackson’s ability to stay healthy and continue playing at an MVP level.
If Jackson can return to the field without limitations, the Ravens will be a tough out in the postseason. With a solid defense and one of the best rushing attacks in the league, the Ravens are built for playoff football. But Jackson’s knee injury could become a lingering issue as the postseason approaches, and the Ravens may need him to perform at his best to make a deep playoff run.
6. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
Justin Herbert, the talented young quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, has been dealing with a lingering rib injury this season. Herbert’s playstyle doesn’t rely as heavily on mobility as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, but a rib injury can still have a major impact on throwing accuracy and arm strength.
The Chargers are currently fighting for a playoff spot, and their chances depend on Herbert’s ability to perform down the stretch. Despite the injury, Herbert has been largely effective, but he will need to be at his best in order to guide the Chargers to their first playoff berth in several seasons. Herbert has a wealth of weapons, including Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler, and the Chargers’ high-powered offense could be dangerous if Herbert is fully healthy.
7. Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
Deshaun Watson’s injury struggles have been well-documented since his time in Cleveland, but the 2024 season has been especially challenging for the former Pro Bowler. After dealing with shoulder issues throughout the year, Watson has missed key games, and his performance when healthy has been inconsistent.
For the Browns, a team with one of the NFL’s top defenses, Watson’s return to form is critical. Cleveland’s defense could carry them into the playoffs, but their chances of advancing beyond the first round will likely depend on Watson’s ability to regain his elite form. His shoulder injury remains a question mark, and the Browns will need to manage his health carefully if they hope to make a playoff run.
Conclusion: The Quarterback Question
As the 2024 NFL season draws to a close, the health of these star quarterbacks will be a major storyline for each team’s playoff push. With the stakes higher than ever, teams will need their leaders under center to have any hope of contending for the Lombardi Trophy. Whether it’s Mahomes fighting through an ankle injury, Burrow recovering from a calf strain, or Rodgers attempting an impossible return from Achilles surgery, the drama surrounding these quarterbacks will shape the course of the postseason.
The injuries to these key players are a reminder of the NFL’s brutal physical demands, and their recoveries will be scrutinized closely by fans, coaches, and players alike. As the playoffs approach, the biggest question may not be who will make it, but who will be healthy enough to lead their team to a championship.
Kumater Moses