Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

How Carson Wentz Injury Could Impact Rams

Originally posted on Los Angeles Rams on SI
By Brock Vierra | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 3:54 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings, led by former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell announced this week that quarterback Carson Wentz will miss the rest of the season. Here's how a situation involving two former members of the Rams affects the current organization.

Situation With Wentz

ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports that Wentz will undergo season-ending surgery after enduring a punishing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last week which saw him battle through tremendous pain throughout the game.

"Wentz will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a left shoulder injury he originally suffered Oct. 5 while playing in place of injured starter J.J. McCarthy," stated Seifert. "Wentz has been playing through a dislocated shoulder that included a torn labrum and fractured socket, a source told ESPN on Monday, confirming multiple reports."

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

"McCarthy is expected to return to the starting lineup for the Vikings' game Sunday at the Detroit Lions. With Wentz headed to injured reserve, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is the only other quarterback on the roster at the moment."

With Wentz's injury, two questions have arisen. Does Kevin O'Connell manage quarterbacks well, considering how many he's had and the injuries that they have suffered and the other question is will the Vikings be able to withstand the season without a veteran quarterback on their roster?

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

"The pain is pain," stated Wentz. "I felt like I could still help this team and find a way to go down and score and all that stuff. So, we knew that coming into the game, that it was going to be part of it. And again, that's the tough part of Thursday night games. [You] just don't quite get the chance to recover, but that's no excuse by any means."

Last Thursday, Wentz was the starter, Brosmer was the backup, and McCarthy was the QB3.

How Does This Affect the Rams

It's clear O'Connell doesn't believe McCarthy is ready to return in the way once wished for and while McCarthy is expected to get the starting nod this week, the injury-prone nature of his early career has some questioning if he'll make it past his rookie deal.

Brosmer, barring the miracolous, has yet to show he can be an NFL quarterback, struggling at the FBS level in college.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Vikings do not want this season to mimic the disaster of 2023 and thus, I could see the Vikings making a call for either Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett. Both men know the system, understand how to deliver the ball to the Vikings' playmakers, and they get the ball out quickly.

Garoppolo is the consummate professional and Bennett is the National Champion wildcard who has three comeback wins in four preseason games.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Rams on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: