There is no longer any sort of quarterback controversy inside the Minnesota Vikings locker room, if ever there actually was one, as backup signal-caller Carson Wentz is now out for the remainder of the year.
Wentz had battled an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder for weeks, and suffered serious enough complications during the team’s “Thursday Night Football” loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that he will now undergo season-ending surgery.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network broke the news via social media on Monday, October 27.
“#Vikings QB Carson Wentz will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shoulder, sources tell The Insiders,” Garafolo wrote. “Wentz battled through the injury in last week’s game against the #Chargers but after further evaluation, a procedure was deemed necessary.”
The timing of the news is both fortunate and unfortunate for Minnesota. It comes during a 10-day stretch of practice that should see second-year starter J.J. McCarthy fully healthy following a seven-week stretch on the sideline due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered during Week 2. After just two starts in his NFL career, McCarthy will get extra practice time to prepare for a tough, and critical, road game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 2.
That’s the good side of the coin.
The unlucky part is that halfway through the season and perilously close to the league’s November 4 trade deadline, the Vikings must now find an adequate backup QB for the remainder of the year, as McCarthy’s health history suggests he may not last the nine games left until the end of the regular season.
One name in free agency Minnesota should consider is that of Taylor Heinicke.
Taylor Heinicke Has Winning Record Across Several Years of NFL Experience
GettyLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke has started 29 games in his NFL career and appeared in 42 total.
He has a record of 13-15-1 across stints with the Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons. Heinicke also played for the Houston Texans to start his career in 2017 and was a member of the Chargers last season, though he never started for either team.
Heinicke is 32 years old and has thrown for 6,663 yards, 39 TDs and 28 INTs. He is a serviceable veteran who the Vikings could sign at a modest annual salary. His most recent deal with the Chargers was for one year and $2.5 million.
Vikings Likely to Add Veteran QB Alongside J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer
GettyQuarterback Max Brosmer of the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota doesn’t necessarily need to bring Heinicke on as the backup behind McCarthy, as undrafted rookie Max Brosmer remains on the roster.
Brosmer has impressed during the preseason and beat out both Sam Howell and Brett Rypien for a roster spot. However, the 24-year-old has played only garbage-time minutes during his rookie campaign, appearing in three games and throwing for 42 yards on 5-of-8 passing.
Regardless of where the Vikings decide to slot Brosmer, either QB2 or QB3, the team needs to add at least one more signal-caller and will likely act quickly to do so. Free agency makes the most sense as an avenue toward acquiring a new quarterback, as a trade will likely cost the team a draft asset and will take more time logistically than finding a player with real NFL experience who happens to be currently unemployed by the league.
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