Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season is officially the week of the backup quarterback. Days after Baltimore Ravens third-stringer Joe Fagnano was pushed into action on "Thursday Night Football," a number of backups will take the field hoping for better results in Week 9.

The most notable name on that list is Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who will draw the start against the New Orleans Saints after Deshaun Watson was concussed in Week 8. It will mark Sanders' first start of the season.

He's far from the only backup being thrust into the spotlight Sunday. Joe Milton III will get his first start with the Philadelphia Eagles. He'll take on J.J. McCarthy, who will look to keep impressing with the New York Giants.

Elsewhere, Drew Lock will start for the Seattle Seahawks in place of Sam Darnold. He'll take on Gardner Minshew, who replaced Jacoby Brissett as the Arizona Cardinals' starter.

Additionally, there are a number of major injuries to follow heading into the week. Giants running back Cam Skattebo is doubtful with a hamstring issue. Wideout Emeka Egbuka is in danger of missing Sunday night's game against the Chicago Bears due to a foot issue.

Also of note, we've got two teams on bye this week, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans.

Week 9 schedule, where to watch

• Broncos vs. Panthers, 1 p.m. on CBS

• Cowboys vs. Colts, 1 p.m. on Fox

• Jets vs. Chiefs, 1 p.m. on CBS

• Lions vs. Dolphins, 1 p.m. on Fox

• Browns vs. Saints, 1 p.m. on CBS

• Giants vs. Eagles, 1 p.m. on Fox

• Rams vs. Commanders, 1 p.m. on Fox

• Texans vs. Chargers, 4:05 p.m. on CBS

• Raiders vs. 49ers, 4:05 p.m. on CBS

• Packers vs. Patriots, 4:25 p.m. on Fox

• Cardinals vs. Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. on Fox