Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Carson Wentz Set To Make NFL History

Well, well, well. Look who’s back in the starting lineup talks—Carson Wentz, the quarterback who’s collected more team jerseys than a Jersey Shore gift shop. The 32-year-old former golden boy is potentially one snap away from making history, and honestly, it’s the kind of history that makes you wonder if it should come with a participation trophy.

The Record Nobody Saw Coming

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With rookie J.J. McCarthy nursing a high ankle sprain after getting pancaked by the Falcons, Wentz finds himself potentially starting for the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday against Cincinnati. If he takes that first snap, congratulations, Carson—you’ll officially become the first quarterback in NFL history to start games for six different teams in six consecutive seasons. That’s right, six teams in six years. At this point, he’s basically the NFL’s version of a traveling salesman, except instead of selling vacuum cleaners, he’s peddling inconsistent quarterback play.

The journey that nobody asked for but somehow can’t look away from started in 2020 when Wentz began his nomadic NFL tour. Philadelphia Eagles (2020), Indianapolis Colts (2021), Washington Commanders (2022), Los Angeles Rams (2023), Kansas City Chiefs (2024), and now potentially the Vikings. That’s more stops than a city bus route during rush hour.

From MVP Candidate To NFL Journeyman

Remember when Wentz was supposed to be the next big thing? Back in 2017, he was having an MVP-caliber season before his knee decided to call it quits in December. Nick Foles swooped in, led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, and suddenly Wentz found himself in the most awkward position possible—watching someone else live his dream while he was stuck on the bench with crutches.

That injury wasn’t just a torn ACL; it apparently tore apart his entire career trajectory. Since then, watching Wentz play quarterback has been like watching someone try to recreate a magic trick they saw once but forgot half the steps. You know something’s supposed to happen, but you’re not quite sure what, and neither is he.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They Don’t Inspire Either)

Over 98 games, Wentz has managed a 62.7% completion rate with 22,410 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. Those aren’t terrible numbers—they’re just aggressively mediocre. He’s like the vanilla ice cream of quarterbacks: technically functional, but nobody’s getting excited about it.

What makes this potential Vikings start even more entertaining is that it’s happening because McCarthy, the rookie who was supposed to be Minnesota’s future, got hurt. It’s like the football gods have a sense of humor—or at least a sense of irony.

The Silver Lining In Purple

Here’s the thing about Wentz that you have to admire: the man just keeps showing up. Despite being passed around the league like a regifted fruitcake, he’s still here, still ready to play. That takes a special kind of stubborn optimism that’s either admirable or concerning, depending on your perspective.

Minnesota Head Coach Kevin O’Connell called McCarthy’s injury “crushing,” but honestly, maybe it’s exactly what the Vikings need to see if their backup plan has any juice left. Sometimes the most unexpected stories write themselves, and maybe—just maybe—Wentz has one more chapter left in his increasingly thick playbook of “what if” moments.

If nothing else, Sunday’s game against the Bengals (who are also starting their backup quarterback) should be must-watch television for all the wrong reasons. Two backup quarterbacks, one potential NFL record, and the kind of unpredictability that makes football beautiful in its chaos.