Late in the preseason, with the idea of Sam Howell as a capable backup for J.J. McCarthy out the window, the Minnesota Vikings made a pivot to Carson Wentz to fill that role. The former No. 2 overall pick's career arc makes him an ideal veteran backup, and his time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 gives him general familiarity with the roots of Kevin O'Connell's offense.
Now, with McCarthy set to miss 2-4 weeks with a high ankle sprain, Wentz is lined up to be the Vikings' starting quarterback for the next three games.