The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback room has been in constant flux this season, and that remains the case heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Detroit Lions with journeyman quarterback Brett Rypien.
Rypien is a familiar face for the Vikings, which is a bonus given the late stage of the season.
The Vikings have already been eliminated from the playoffs, but they can still play the role of spoiler and end the season on a high note. That is easier with a QB who knows the offense.
Brett Rypien Rejoins Vikings QB Room
GettyBrett Rypien #19 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
“Reunion: The Vikings claimed QB Brett Rypien off waivers from Indianapolis,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X on December 23. “Some added depth with J.J. McCarthy (hand) out this week.”
The Vikings confirmed the news with a post on X of their own shortly after Peliserro broke the news of the move.
Rypien is a seventh-year former undrafted free agent.
The nephew of former NFL QB Mark Rypien, he has thrown for 950 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions on 58.3% completion in his career. He also has a 2-2 record as a starter in 11 total games played.
Rypien has spent time with the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks.
Kevin O’Connell Raved About Brett Rypien
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Rypien has been in the Vikings’ system directly and its parent scheme with the Rams. There, he played for Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell.
He drew high praise from O’Connell after they exposed him to waivers last season.
“You’re still crossing your fingers, knowing you’re exposing a good player with … not only knowledge of our system, but somebody who we’re just excited about, that we’ve poured a lot of time and energy into. Brought him here for a reason, and he’s exceeded all the expectations here despite, I know, people haven’t seen them on the grass doing anything during the regular season,” O’Connell told reporters in January, citing the QB’s work behind the scenes.
“That individual approach to that room, for all those guys, is a huge part of why we do what we do in this building. And he’s definitely, from my vision point, has benefited from it and shown that he’s a guy we could rely on here in the future with the type of work he’s put in.”
Vikings QB Room Depleted
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the New York Giants.
Rypien will back up starter Max Brosmer and another former Rams QB in John Wolford. Vikings starter J.J. McCarthy has a fractured hand. Backup Carson Wentz, who started five games for the Vikings this season, is on injured reserve after shoulder surgery. He is out for the season.
It has been a lost season for the Vikings.
However, they still have one of the most expensive rosters in the league. Moreover, several players are still looking to finish the season strong.
O’Connell has been lauded for his ability to maximize the potential of quarterbacks under his tutelage. That has been tested in two of the past three seasons, with Sam Darnold’s Pro Bowl campaign sandwiched in between.
Rypien’s return is emblematic of the situation for the Vikings’ QB room all season.
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