Vikings turn to rookie Max Brosmer as John Wolford stands ready for Seattle clash
Max Brosmer is set to make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, but if the young quarterback struggles, the Minnesota Vikings have a seasoned alternative in veteran John Wolford. The Vikings elevated Wolford from the practice squad just a day before the game, marking his first appearance on the active roster since joining the team shortly before Halloween. This move came in response to the unfortunate season-ending shoulder injury suffered by Carson Wentz.
Brosmer, an undrafted free agent, will take center stage as the starting quarterback in what promises to be a pivotal matchup. This will be a defining moment for him, especially as he steps into the role amid the absence of J.J. McCarthy, who has been ruled out due to a concussion.
Wolford’s Familiarity with the System
While Brosmer is untested at the professional level, Wolford’s experience within head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme could prove valuable. Having played for the Los Angeles Rams from 2020 to 2022, Wolford is well-acquainted with O’Connell’s playbook, which he navigated when O’Connell served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator under Sean McVay. Although it has been a while since Wolford has taken a snap in a regular-season game—his last appearance came in 2022—he has remained in the league, spending the past three seasons as a practice squad player for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Team Adjustments and Challenges Ahead
In addition to the quarterback shuffle, Minnesota has also promoted cornerback Dwight McGlothern from the practice squad. Complicating matters further, assistant head coach and outside linebackers coach Mike Pettine will not accompany the team to Seattle, leaving his absence unexplained.
As the Vikings gear up for this challenge, they face a daunting task against the Seahawks, who are favored by a considerable margin of 11.5 points. The game is set to kick off at 3:05 p.m. CT, and the Vikings will need every ounce of resilience as they head into one of the toughest environments in the league. With Brosmer at the helm and Wolford waiting in the wings, Minnesota’s strategy will be closely scrutinized as they look to defy the odds.
