The Minnesota Vikings have a quick turnaround this week as they will play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. Although the team didn't hold an official practice on Monday, neither Carson Wentz or J.J. McCarthy would have participated in a full capacity .
With the status of both quarterbacks murky, that may actually be Max Brosmer's music we are hearing. At least that's what Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is wondering.
Max Brosmer went undrafted after a successful season with the Minnesota Gophers. Since he's been with the Minnesota Vikings, reports continue to surface suggesting just how impressive he has been . Against the Eagles he served as the backup , and now Mike Florio is suggesting he could be the answer on Thursday.
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It's a short week, and the Vikings could be shorthanded at quarterback. Both J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and Carson Wentz (left shoulder) were listed as limited participants in a Monday practice that didn't actually happen. That keeps the door open for the possibility that undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will get the start.
Brosmer has served as the backup to Wentz during McCarthy's absence. And Brosmer has impressed the Vikings in his limited time in the NFL. Could he play? The Vikings may have no choice.
Injury or not, the Wentz chariot-pumpkin meter is back in the orange category. And McCarthy, even if healthy, possibly hasn't practiced enough to play. Brosmer has been the one consistent and healthy presence.
Between Wentz and McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings have noted consistent problems. The former was horrible on Sunday out of the gate , and even an improved performance as the game went on couldn't dig the team out of his own hole.
J.J. McCarthy has consistently been hurt, and is working his way back from a high-ankle sprain . The goalposts have moved on his timeline, and that's likely due to where his current development seems to be.
Minnesota has constantly praised Brosmer, and he looked good in preseason action . It's unlikely he would step in and be an immediate star, but his success could throw a ton of cold water on the first round pick the Vikings used on McCarthy.
Maybe that's part of why the decision to play Brosmer has been kicked down the road. If one quarterback is hurt, and the other isn't ready though, then there is no other choice.
When the Vikings opted against bringing back either Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones, they put all of their eggs in the untested basket of J.J. McCarthy. As those two veterans thrive elsewhere, Florio wonders if a reunion with the league's highest-paid backup isn't on the horizon.
Then there's this possibility. With two weeks left until the trade deadline arrives, could the Vikings pull the rip cord on the Kirk Cousins emergency option? While the Falcons possibly have a diminished appetite to trade Cousins now that starter Michael Penix Jr. is day-to-day with a bone bruise, the Vikings presumably would get through Thursday night's game at the Chargers and the following Sunday's visit to the Lions before making a final decision in the two remaining days before the time for 2025 trades ends.
By November 4, the Falcons could be willing to move Cousins out. And the Vikings could be willing to move Cousins in.
Frankly, a move like that could be the only chance the Vikings have to end their current trend of failing to make the playoffs in back-to-back years. They last qualified for the postseason in consecutive years in 2008 and 2009.
A loss on Thursday would put the Vikings at 3-4 with their playoff hopes on life support. Whether Wentz or McCarthy start, either failing to get the job done would waste a roster intended to win now. If Brosmer steps in, it may just be a stopgap.
Cousins would clearly love to be back under center routinely, and he had a good thing going in Minnesota. That's going to remain a possibility until he starts for another team, and Florio is right, Minnesota can't afford to keep swinging and missing.
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