Carson Wentz Starts Against Bengals; Injury Update and Return Timeline for JJ McCarthy.

Minnesota Vikings’ star quarterback, JJ McCarthy, was absent during the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of an injury, resulting in Carson Wentz stepping in as the starting quarterback. Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie, was the emergency third-string option. With this game, Wentz sets a record as he becomes the first QB to start for six different teams in six consecutive seasons, playing for The Eagles in 2020, Colts in 2021, Commanders in 2022, Chiefs in 2023, Rams in 2024, and now Vikings in 2025.

Reports say the Vikings signed Wentz in the previous month after the Rams released him before the season. The 32-year-old QB last played as a starting player in 2023 with the Chiefs, but demonstrated prowess during training camp and got first-team snaps when McCarthy was missing due to the birth of his son. Vikings’ head coach O’Connell commended Wentz’s great job and expressed his confidence in him.

Due to a high ankle sprain sustained during the Sunday 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, McCarthy is expected to miss out on two to four weeks of play, as revealed by coach O’Connell. The injury occurred during the second half of the game against the Falcons, in which he had a 58.5% completion rate, three interceptions, and three fumbles. Despite the injury, there are no plans to place McCarthy on short-term injured reserve, preferring to monitor his reaction to the treatment over the week.

Carson Wentz will have the chance to build momentum in the Vikings’ next three games against Bengals, Steelers, and Browns, all scheduled to be played at home. The team is hopeful that McCarthy does not need to sit out for the entire season and that he will recover soon.