The Minnesota Vikings hold a 1-1 record entering today’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, they will be forced to play without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who went down with a high ankle sprain.
In his place, the Vikings will be starting veteran quarterback Carson Wentz. Not only is he expected to start this week against the Bengals, it sounds like he’ll be the starting quarterback next week as well when Minnesota takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Wentz is about to receive what could be one of his last chances to show what he can do on the field. At one point, he was a top rising star at the quarterback position. Now, he’s turned into a journeyman backup.
With that being said, Cincinnati also won’t have its starting quarterback. Joe Burrow is set to miss a lot of time due to a toe injury that he suffered last week.
Vikings QB Carson Wentz Put on Notice Against Bengals
Prior to the Vikings playing the Bengals, a new update was provided about their quarterback situation.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler took to X to share that update.
“Carson Wentz has been operating as if he’s got the next two weeks as the starter, per source, with nothing promised beyond that (McCarthy timeline below),” Fowler wrote.
That McCarthy timeline Fowler referred to was shared by fellow ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
“Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, who is battling a high ankle sprain expected to sideline him for the next two to four weeks, will make the overseas trip,” Schefter wrote.
Through his first two career starts, McCarthy turned in mixed results. He wasn’t horrible, but he certainly wasn’t great either. McCarthy completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 50 yards and a score.
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As for Wentz, the 32-year-old quarterback played last season as a backup for Patrick Mahomes on the Kansas City Chiefs. He threw for 118 yards and completed 12 of his 19 passes.
His last season as a full-time starter was back in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts. During that season, he played all 17 games and racked up 3,563 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Hopefully, Wentz will come ready to play and can help lead Minnesota to a big win or two. The Vikings have looked good this season, but losing McCarthy could derail their year if Wentz is unable to play at a high level.
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