Vikings Reportedly Have ‘Genuine Optimism’ Carson Wentz Can ‘Steady’ the Offense

The Minnesota Vikings are confident in backup quarterback Carson Wentz bringing some stability to the team’s offense in Week 3, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.

“The Vikings have a long history of unexpected playoff runs with veteran backup quarterbacks who stepped in during the season, from Randall Cunningham in 1998 to Gus Frerotte in 2008 to Case Keenum in 2017,” Seifert reported Friday. “Wentz fits a similar mold, and there is genuine optimism inside the team facility that he can steady an offense that has undergone multiple personnel changes over the past month due to injuries and the suspension of receiver Jordan Addison.”

Wentz was named the starter for Minnesota’s upcoming matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals after J.J. McCarthy was ruled out due to an ankle sprain.

McCarthy showed promise as well as some room for improvement throughout the first two weeks of the season, completing 58.5 percent of his throws for 301 yards and two touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

Minnesota’s offense has been inconsistent to open its 2025 campaign. The Vikings’ averages of 226 yards and 16.5 points per game rank No. 31 and No. 27 in the NFL, respectively.

Wentz has plenty of experience under center, with 94 career starts under his belt. His last year as a full-time starter came in 2021, playing for three separate teams in three seasons since.

The 32-year-old signed with the Vikings near the end of training camp after reserve passer Sam Howell struggled in the preseason.

Wentz won’t be the only notable change in Minnesota’s offense, as Jordan Mason will take over the majority of available snaps at running back following a hamstring injury to Aaron Jones.

Kickoff between the Bengals and Vikings is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.