The Minnesota Vikings have clawed their way to a 3-3 record amid a barrage of significant injuries on offense and defense, but desperation might be pushing them toward a bold, unexpected decision at quarterback.
Carson Wentz, the veteran signal-caller, threw two interceptions in a frustrating six-point home defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. He’s also nursing a lingering injury to his left shoulder, which he picked up during the Vikings’ Week 5 clash against the Cleveland Browns in London. Meanwhile, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who started in Week 1, remains sidelined by a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 2.
With a short week leading into Thursday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, reports are swirling that the Vikings could turn to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer as their starter. Judd Zulgad of SKOR North floated this idea in his Substack post on Sunday, arguing it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.
“If McCarthy isn’t ready to play Thursday — and given how Wentz performed Sunday — is suggesting Brosmer to start really that big of a stretch?” Zulgad wrote. “After watching Wentz against the Eagles, I’m not sure it is.”
Wentz and McCarthy face a compressed timeline to recover and prepare for a Chargers defense that’s been formidable so far this season, even after surrendering 38 points to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who’s generating buzz as a potential head-coaching candidate next offseason, has a reputation for baffling inexperienced quarterbacks with his schemes.
That said, precedents exist for rookies succeeding against Minter’s unit. In Week 4, the New York Giants started rookie Jaxson Dart against the Chargers, and he secured a win in his NFL debut. The Giants edged out a 21-18 victory, though credit largely went to their defense. Dart went 13-for-20 for 111 yards and a touchdown pass, but Los Angeles sacked him five times.
What kept Dart afloat was his mobility: He rushed 10 times for 54 yards and a touchdown. Brosmer, who impressed in the preseason, lacks that same rushing prowess. However, the Vikings boast a more potent receiving corps, including stars like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, plus tight end T.J. Hockenson. This group could provide Brosmer with the support needed to navigate a tough defense in his potential first regular-season action.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed Brosmer’s readiness in his postgame presser after the Eagles loss, stating the rookie was “ready to go” if called upon. While oddsmakers might still favor Wentz under center for the “Thursday Night Football” clash in Los Angeles, O’Connell might have no alternative if injuries persist.
Even if options remain, the quarterback whisperer could pivot swiftly if Wentz shows signs of lingering pain or repeats his shaky performance from Sunday. With the season hanging in the balance, this dark horse move could be the Vikings’ last-ditch effort to spark a turnaround.