On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that quarterback Carson Wentz would be placed on IR due to his ongoing shoulder injury. Reporters added some context, noting that he would undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum and a fractured socket.
Expect the Vikings to Sign 1 of 2 QBs
That leaves the Vikings with only two quarterbacks, one short of the organization’s usual number of three. Furthermore, J.J. McCarthy has to deal with his own injury history, missing 23 of his first 25 career games. He has not played since Week 2, though he is expected to start on Sunday.
The other passer on the roster is rookie Max Brosmer. Kevin O’Connell and his staff like the young player, but their unwillingness to insert him into the game in Thursday’s blowout defeat raised some questions. Whether he’s ready or not, the Vikes are one QB short, and they are highly likely to sign one ahead of Sunday’s game.
And two guys just make more sense than anyone else. Don’t forget, the Vikings won’t find any Pro Bowlers in free agency, nor should they invest in any trades for a potential starter, as McCarthy needs the reps.
Brett Rypien
Not an exciting name whatsoever, but Brett Rypien is on the practice squad in Indianapolis, and the Vikings could sign him to the 53-man roster.
The veteran had spent time with the purple franchise since last year’s roster cuts and this year’s roster cuts. He was a clipboard holder for the entire 2024 season behind Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens.
In this year’s preseason, Rypien lost the QB3 job to Max Brosmer and failed to unseat Sam Howell for the QB2 gig, ultimately landing on the chopping block. The Bengals added him to their practice squad in September and signed him to the 53-man roster once Joe Burrow got hurt. Joe Flacco’s trade acquisition marked the end of his tenure in Cincinnati.
The preseason showed that Rypien is not a quarterback any fan wants to see under center in a real NFL game, but he knows the playbook, the teammates, and the coaches, who have always spoken highly of him, especially his football IQ. His veteran presence could be an asset in developing McCarthy and preparing him for games.
Desmond Ridder
Someone with less NFL experience in his resume from a time standpoint, but with more in-game reps and starts is Desmond Ridder. The 2022 draftee is another old friend with some familiarity, as he joined the squad after McCarthy’s injury. However, the Vikings quietly released him following the Week 4 loss and strangely went into Week 5 with only two passers and Cam Akers as the emergency option. He has not found a team since.
Ridder is likely a better choice if the Vikings want someone they can throw into a game if necessary. His career play hasn’t always been pretty, but 16 touchdowns (plus five rushing) and 14 picks isn’t the end of the world.
The advantages are similar: He has played in the NFL before and may know a thing or two about preparing for NFL games, and he has been introduced to playbook, pass-catchers, blockers, and coaches.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
