Backup QBs are on display all around the NFL as injury-depleted teams push toward the postseason

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Joe Flacco was at home a month ago, all but ready to accept his 15-year NFL career might be over. “It’s one of the more important positions on your team,” said Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, who called on backups in several games last season, including in the postseason, when starter Tua Tagovailoa missed time with concussions. “When you get a full week to prep and game plan and talk with the coach and run the play with the players you’re used to playing with, that helps a lot during the week.” San Francisco’s Brock Purdy went from the final pick in the NFL draft to winning his first seven starts and leading the 49ers to the NFC title game after they lost first and second-stringers Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo to season-ending injuries last season. The New York Jets entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations after landing Aaron Rodgers in the offseason, but after the four-time league MVP tore his left Achilles tendon on the fourth snap of his Jets debut, the team’s postseason hopes fizzled as they have shuffled struggling backups in and out of their lineup. “I don’t ever overlook that position and say, ‘OK, we’ve got our starter,’” said Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, who spent most of his 10-year NFL career as a backup.