Backup Season Arrives: Watson, Darnold, and Tuten Headline the Latest NFL Injury Report

The NFL injury report is starting to look like a triage unit, and this week's update from Ian Rapoport just handed the keys to the backup quarterbacks.

Deshaun Watson is officially in concussion protocol after the Cleveland Browns suffered a brutal 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That means Cleveland is reportedly handing the offense over to Shedeur Sanders this Sunday. Going from Watson's current form to a rookie making his debut is the kind of chaotic pivot that swings betting lines by a full field goal before you can even refresh the app.

"From @GMFB: The latest on injuries to #Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten, #Seahawks QB Sam Darnold, and #Browns QB Deshaun Watson."

Meanwhile in Seattle, Sam Darnold is dealing with a quad injury and a cracked rib. He has already been ruled out following a 34-17 beatdown by the Chicago Bears. Drew Lock is stepping back into the starting role for the Seattle Seahawks. If you are holding Seahawks futures, trusting Lock to keep the ship afloat is an experience that requires a strong stomach and zero access to sharp objects.

Down in Jacksonville, running back Bhayshul Tuten is nursing an ankle and foot issue. He is officially a game-time decision for Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Tuten has quietly racked up 492 rushing yards and six total touchdowns this season, making him a massive piece of the Jacksonville Jaguars offense.

Losing your starting quarterback is a crisis, but losing a dual-threat running back on a short week is how fantasy football seasons actually die. Tuten played through the tweak last week, but Thursday turnarounds are notoriously unforgiving on lower-body injuries.

We will find out exactly how much pain tolerance Tuten has when inactives drop before kickoff in Baltimore. As for Cleveland and Seattle, it is officially backup season. Adjust your expectations, and your prop bets, accordingly.