MIN Carson Wentz
NFL player. Position: QB. Team: MIN.
Quick Facts
- Position: QB
- Team: MIN (Minnesota Vikings)
- Role: Backup QB in Vikings depth chart
Veteran backup QB2 in Vikings QB room behind Kyler Murray. Beat J.J. McCarthy for the backup job during training camp and preseason competition despite McCarthy entering as the 1st-round incumbent. Wentz's strong preseason performance (comparatively) and veteran experience over the young, injured McCarthy gave him the clear edge. Now starting Week 1+ after Murray's concussion. Fantasy relevance is currently strong given he's the starter with elite receiving weapons (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison). (per Did J.J. McCarthy make the Vikings? Latest updates as roster solidifies - USA Today)
At June minicamp, McCarthy praised Wentz as a key resource in the QB room, crediting him with helping him learn both football lessons and life skills including fatherhood advice. (per Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy dispels notion that he'd want trade before season: 'This is where I want to be')
At May OTAs, Wentz continued his participation in the QB competition, taking reps in team periods and developing chemistry with Vikings receivers in competitive drills. (per OTA Observations: Kyler Murray & J.J. McCarthy Distribute Footballs; Line Refines Technique)
Role / Depth Chart
QB2 / Backup QB behind Kyler Murray. Beat J.J. McCarthy for the backup role; Max Brosmer is QB3.
Injury Status
Healthy.
2026 Outlook Update — Week 1 starting role and elite performance
Took over at QB in Week 1 when starter Kyler Murray suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Wentz replaced Murray and played the remainder of the Vikings-Packers game (Sep 13), leading one of the most remarkable comebacks of the week. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three TDs (including two to Justin Jefferson and one to T.J. Hockenson), with zero interceptions and a 123.5 passer rating. The Vikings trailed 12-0 when Wentz took over and proceeded to score 29 unanswered points to win 39-22 — only the second QB in Super Bowl era history to throw 3+ TDs off the bench in a season opener (Jake Delhomme did it with Carolina in 2003). Wentz's system familiarity with Kevin O'Connell and chemistry with Jefferson unlocked immediate elite play. His fantasy value surges significantly as long as Murray remains sidelined under concussion protocol. If Murray misses Week 2 or multiple weeks, Wentz becomes a premium streaming option with elite receiving weapons (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson). (per Latest intel on Kyler Murray's injury situation gives the Bears another frustrating factor to prepare for looking ahead to Week 2 and Vikings QB Kyler Murray remains in concussion protocol; status for Week 2 is uncertain)
Week 2 solid ground game management (Sept 20-21): Carson Wentz started his second straight game vs. Chicago in a defensive struggle, completing 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards with no turnovers in the Vikings' 9-3 victory over the Bears. The game was marked by poor weather and limited offensive output from both sides, forcing every possession to matter. Wentz's ability to manage the football and avoid mistakes proved critical in the defensive duel—his focus was on "ending every possession with a kick" rather than forcing downfield. The Vikings leaned heavily on RB Aaron Jones (105 yards on 23 carries) as the primary offensive weapon in the wet, difficult conditions. Wentz's Week 2 performance validates his veteran presence and system familiarity as a capable interim starter if Murray's concussion recovery extends. (per Vikings' Kyler Murray clears concussion protocol, named starter for Week 3 vs. Buccaneers - CBS Sports and NFL news article about Vikings Week 2 defensive performance)
Recent News
- 2026-09-17 — Carson Wentz Has A Chance To Go Out On His Own Terms (Carson Wentz Has A Chance To Go Out On His Own Terms)
- 2026-09-19 — Vikings’ Carson Wentz Gets Urgent Update After Named QB1 vs. Bears (Vikings’ Carson Wentz Gets Urgent Update After Named QB1 vs. Bears)
- 2026-09-21 — Vikings' Kyler Murray clears concussion protocol — Wentz led 9-3 win vs. Bears Week 2 (Vikings' Kyler Murray clears concussion protocol, named starter for Week 3 vs. Buccaneers - CBS Sports)
- 2026-09-19 — Lukas Van Ness fined for hit on Carson Wentz, no fine for hit on Kyler Murray (Lukas Van Ness fined for hit on Carson Wentz, no fine for hit on Kyler Murray)
- 2026-09-18 — Vikings QB Carson Wentz to start, Kyler Murray (concussion) out vs. Bears (Vikings QB Carson Wentz to start, Kyler Murray (concussion) out vs. Bears)
- 2026-09-18 — Vikings news: Carson Wentz to start Week 2, Kyler Murray ruled out (Vikings news: Carson Wentz to start Week 2, Kyler Murray ruled out)
- 2026-09-18 — Kyler Murray Injury Update: Vikings Will Start Carson Wentz vs. Bears in Week 2 (Kyler Murray Injury Update: Vikings Will Start Carson Wentz vs. Bears in Week 2)
- 2026-09-18 — Vikings will start Carson Wentz at QB vs. Bears with Kyler Murray still in concussion... (Vikings will start Carson Wentz at QB vs. Bears with Kyler Murray still in concussion...)
- 2026-09-18 — Kyler Murray out with concussion so door opens for Carson Wentz as Vikings' new... (Kyler Murray out with concussion so door opens for Carson Wentz as Vikings' new...)
- 2026-09-18 — Vikings rule out Kyler Murray for Week 2 vs. Bears, Carson Wentz to start (Vikings rule out Kyler Murray for Week 2 vs. Bears, Carson Wentz to start)
Open Questions
(scoped to this player)