Wentz to Start as McCarthy Sidelined with Ankle Sprain

Lead Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz will make his Minnesota Vikings debut Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals after rookie J.J. McCarthy was ruled out with a high ankle sprain, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Monday at the team facility.

Nut Graf McCarthy’s unexpected injury thrusts 10th-year pro Wentz into the starting role in Week 3, testing Minnesota’s veteran depth and offering Wentz his first meaningful opportunity since backing up Patrick Mahomes last season.

Impact on Vikings Offense

• McCarthy Injury: Suffered a high ankle sprain late in Sunday’s 22-6 loss at Atlanta; pain worsened overnight, prompting Monday’s decision to sit him out.
• Wentz Named Starter: Signed Aug. 24 to back up McCarthy, Wentz will lead the offense at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will serve as his backup.
• Team Health Concerns: Offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Justin Skule are in concussion protocol; RB Aaron Jones faces a week-to-week hamstring issue; LT Christian Darrisaw remains sidelined from last October’s knee surgery.

Wentz’s Career Snapshot

• NFL Tenure: No. 2 overall pick in 2016; starter in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Washington, Los Angeles and Kansas City.
• Recent Activity: Appeared in three games (one start) for Kansas City in 2024, completing 12 of 19 passes for 118 yards.
• Playoff Pedigree: Key backup on the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII-winning roster; has compiled a 47-46-1 record as a starter with 153 TDs and a 89.3 passer rating.

Bengals Also Shorthanded Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s Pro Bowl quarterback, remains sidelined with a toe injury, setting up a matchup between backup signal-callers in Week 3.

Next Up Wentz’s performance will be closely watched as the Vikings aim to rebound from a two-game skid and maintain playoff momentum without their rookie starter.