After their comeback win in Week 1, the Minnesota Vikings came back to earth in Week 2, losing via blowout to the Atlanta Falcons.
J.J. McCarthy received props for his heroics in the fourth quarter of Week 1, but his performance against the Falcons left something to be desired.
It was announced shortly after the game that McCarthy was dealing with an ankle injury and that the Vikings would be turning to backup Carson Wentz to start in his absence.
Wentz was added to the roster during the offseason, replacing Daniel Jones as the veteran backup on the team.
His upside could be capped at this point in his career, considering how much he’s moved around in recent seasons, but quarterbacks in Kevin O’Connell’s offense have a tendency to play better than people expect of them.
This start will make history, as Ari Meirov noted on X, as Wentz is the first player in NFL history to start a game for six teams in six consecutive seasons.
Carson Wentz will start for his 6th team in 6 seasons — which is something no QB in NFL history has ever done.
• 2025: Vikings
• 2024: Chiefs (1 game)
• 2023: Rams (1 game)
• 2022: Commanders (7 games)
• 2021: Colts (17 games)
• 2020: Eagles (12 games) pic.twitter.com/QmxhHmGI1n
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 15, 2025
He was supposed to be the franchise QB for the Eagles, but his early injuries put a damper on that dream, and when the team turned to Jalen Hurts, it was clear that Wentz would be out the door soon.
Wentz has since started games for the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs.
It will be interesting to see how he performs in this O’Connell-led offense and if the Vikings can make any progress with him under center.
The extent of McCarthy’s injury is unknown, but if Wentz performs well, he could take the reins of this offense for several weeks.
NEXT: Kevin O'Connell Reveals Injury Updates On 5 Vikings Players
