Who Should I Start? Carson Wentz or Desmond Ridder

Tuesday, September 16, 11:17 AM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz appears to have a multi-game runway as the team's starter, with Minnesota QB1 J.J. McCarthy (ankle) set to miss two to four weeks with a high ankle sprain. The 33-year-old Wentz has started two games over the past two seasons while playing for the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs. In his last real stretch as a starter, he played in eight games for the Washington Commanders in 2022, throwing for 1,755 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has had success with quarterback reclamation projects before, so Wentz could be in a good position to succeed in Minnesota. He could be a sneaky add in two-quarterback formats ahead of the Vikings' Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tuesday, September 16, 5:09 PM

The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent quarterback Desmond Ridder to their 53-man roster on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings need some depth at the QB position with J.J. McCarthy out two to four weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With McCarthy out for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and possibly beyond, veteran Carson Wentz will step into starting duties under center for Minnesota, with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer serving as his backup. Given Brosmer's lack of experience in the NFL, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ridder be elevated to the No. 2 role sooner than later once he learns the offense. Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022 by the Falcons, quickly wore out his welcome in Atlanta and spent last year as the backup for the Las Vegas Raiders.