Vikings turn to veteran backup Carson Wentz as J.J. McCarthy sits out against Bengals in Week 3 showdown
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener during Week 2. As if the defeat wasn’t enough, the Vikings dropped another bombshell by announcing that J.J. McCarthy will sit out their Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals, meanwhile, will also be without their star quarterback Joe Burrow, setting the stage for an unexpected showdown.
Carson Wentz steps up
In light of McCarthy’s absence, the Vikings will turn to veteran quarterback Carson Wentz. Once heralded as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz now finds himself in a backup role in Minnesota. His path to the Vikings has been anything but straightforward. Following an off-season trade that sent Sam Howell to the Eagles, Wentz was brought in to add depth to the quarterback room.
Wentz’s experience in the league is extensive. He spent the previous season as a backup to Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs and before that, he was in Los Angeles, serving as a backup to Matthew Stafford with the Rams. Over his career, Wentz has showcased his ability to be a franchise quarterback for multiple teams. After being traded from Philadelphia to the Indianapolis Colts prior to the 2021 season, he was later moved to the Washington Commanders after just one season in Indianapolis.
Career stats and outlook
Throughout his career, Wentz has thrown for 153 touchdown passes while tossing 67 interceptions, making him a seasoned player with significant experience under pressure. As he prepares to lead the Vikings against the Bengals, many will be watching closely to see how the veteran performs in this critical moment.
The Vikings will also face additional challenges, as they will be without a Pro Bowl offensive star in their lineup. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to adapt and leverage their veteran leadership will be crucial. With both teams facing quarterback shortages, the matchup is shaping up to be a test of resilience and depth in the league.
As the Vikings gear up for this pivotal Week 3 clash, all eyes will be on Wentz to see if he can guide Minnesota back to the win column.
