With Carson Wentz out for the rest of the season, J.J. McCarthy returning from a five-game absence of his own, and undrafted rookie free agent Max Brosmer the only other healthy QB on the roster, the Minnesota Vikings are turning to John Wolford.
McCarthy will step back into his starting role, finally healthy after an ankle injury sidelined him, with Brosmer in his backup role, according to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
However, Wolford could be two snaps away from being the Vikings’ QB1 in Week 9.
Vikings Finally Reunite Kevin O’Connell With Former Rams QB John Wolford
GettyJohn Wolford #13 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
“The #Vikings have signed QB John Wolford to the practice squad,” the team posted on X on October 29.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted Wolford and O’Connell have a “long history,” noting, “They were together with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and 2021, and there have been previous failed efforts to get him to Minnesota,” Seifert reported on X on October 29.
The duo won a Super Bowl together in LA in 2021.
Wolford is in his eighth season in the NFL. An undrafted free agent with the New York Jets in 2018, he has also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Wolford joins the Vikings a day after the team placed Carson Wentz on Injured Reserve because of a shoulder injury that will require surgery,” Vikings.com’s Craig Peters wrote on October 29. “Minnesota is anticipated to start J.J. McCarthy at Detroit in Week 9 and have rookie Max Brosmer back up the second-year pro.”
Wolford has thrown for 626 yards, 1 touchdown, and 5 interceptions on 58.5% completion in his career. He is 2-2 as a starter. His addition is the clearest sign the Vikings knew they had to address the lack of experience at QB.
Carson Wentz Suffered Torn Labrum, Fractured Shoulder Socket
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers.
O’Connell and the Vikings have faced scrutiny over their handling of Wentz, who entered Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers with a shoulder injury and wanted to play through it, earning kudos from his head coach for helping keep Brosmer out of an unfavorable situation.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on the extent of the veteran QB’s injuries.
“Carson Wentz, who started the last five games or so for them, he has officially been placed on injured reserve,” Rapoport reported on “Good Morning Football” on October 29. “He is going to have surgery on his left, non-throwing shoulder after tearing his labrum and suffering a chip fracture in his shoulder socket. Out. Was still able to play. Wanted to play. Nothing wrong here. It actually does happen in the NFL.”
Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in 2016 and a Super Bowl champion after an injury led to a backup role with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, is on a one-year, $1.4 million contract.
Vikings’ ‘Plan’ Unfolding
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite the loss of Wentz and Wolford’s addition, the Vikings’ plan remains on course, so long as McCarthy makes it to his first start since Week 2 in Week 9.
The Vikings are facing the Detroit Lions.
“J.J. McCarthy, now, is the starting quarterback for the Vikings. This was the plan anyway,” Rapoport said. “McCarthy is fully healthy, is seven weeks from a high ankle sprain. He is prepared. He is ready. They believe he will be successful. He is going to start.”
The Vikings traded up in 2024 to select McCarthy, moving from 11th overall to 10th for the former Michigan Wolverines star.
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