Carson Wentz to Start for Vikings Amid Injuries Against Bengals

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Carson Wentz, the veteran quarterback, is set to make his debut with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, stepping in for injured starter J.J. McCarthy against the Cincinnati Bengals. This matchup, featuring Wentz and Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, highlights a unique rivalry of backup quarterbacks.

At 32 years old, Wentz finds himself leading the Vikings after the team signed him to provide experience following McCarthy’s high ankle sprain. Wentz is now on track to break an NFL record, making a start for his sixth team in six consecutive seasons.

“It sounds crazy when you say that,” Wentz said regarding his unique position in the league. From his time as the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to becoming a key player for the Vikings, Wentz has a history filled with ups and downs, including a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Browns, who will take the field for Cincinnati, was thrust into the spotlight following an injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow is expected to be sidelined for several months due to a turf toe injury.

The Bengals have a level of confidence in Browning, who previously started seven games due to Burrow’s injuries last season. Browning reflects on his experience: “I convinced myself to be extremely confident…there’s no quarterback who goes in without confidence expecting to succeed.”

Wentz, who grew up a Vikings fan in Bismarck, North Dakota, is excited about the opportunity. “Running out of that tunnel this week will hit me a little bit different in a cool, surreal way,” he said. The Vikings community has been buzzing about the potential for Wentz to endear himself to fans who have cheered for him since childhood.

As the Vikings search for solutions amid injury struggles, they are determined to overcome setbacks. With a record of 1-1, they hope for success against Cincinnati, who stands at 2-0. Wentz aims to lead a rejuvenated offense against the Bengals, making the game a highly anticipated event at U.S. Bank Stadium.