The Minnesota Vikings have been on quite a journey lately, hopping from Dublin to London in just two weeks. While everyone expected their high-powered offense to take center stage. It was actually head coach Kevin O’Connell’s surprising decision that grabbed the headlines during their game against the Cleveland Browns. One of their standout players, Jordan Addison, was mysteriously absent from the field in the first quarter, and it wasn’t because of an injury.

According to multiple reports, Addison was benched to open the game in what was described as a coach’s decision. The move came as a surprise, especially with Minnesota’s offense struggling to find rhythm early against Cleveland’s aggressive defense. O’Connell’s choice raised eyebrows across the league—and didn’t last long. By the start of the second quarter, Addison was back on the field. O’Connell quickly reversed course, realizing his offense couldn’t afford to sit one of its biggest weapons.

Addison had just returned from a three-game suspension and shone in Week 4 with 114 yards on four catches against the Steelers. That performance made his benching even more puzzling. Whether it was a disciplinary response or a message from O’Connell remains unclear. But the timing couldn’t have been worse for a Vikings team in desperate need of an offensive spark.

When Addison finally entered the game in the second quarter. Minnesota’s passing rhythm returned. His ability to stretch the field and open up space for Justin Jefferson makes him a critical piece in the Vikings’ aerial game plan. Even if the reason behind the first-quarter benching never surfaces, it’s evident that O’Connell couldn’t afford to keep one of his best playmakers on the sideline for long.

With Minnesota struggling to prevent another global disappointment, O’Connell’s swift change of direction may have prevented the offense and possibly the game plan from completely falling apart.

Vikings face QB crisis in London as Carson Wentz exits

The Minnesota Vikings’ London visit turned unexpected on Sunday when quarterback Carson Wentz left with a left shoulder injury in the first half against the Cleveland Browns. Suddenly, a team already missing rookie starter J.J. McCarthy was left scrambling at the game’s most critical position.

Wentz went down late in the second quarter after taking a hard hit while scrambling for a first down. He walked off under his own power but was quickly evaluated in the medical tent before heading to the locker room just before halftime. The Vikings then listed him as questionable to return. During the break, X-rays were reportedly taken due to a shoulder injury.

That left undrafted rookie Max Brosmer in action. The 24-year-old took a knee to seal the half—a humble but symbolic gesture in his young NFL career. Brosmer, who signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in April, made the surprise final 53-man roster after impressing through training camp.

Brosmer has already seen limited action this season, completing two of four passes for 29 yards in the team’s dominant Week 3 win over Cincinnati. Before that, he spent one season as a college starter at Minnesota, where he threw for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024.

With McCarthy sidelined and Wentz’s availability in question, Brosmer found himself thrust into the limelight. A surprise plot twist in a season that already had enough quarterback intrigue for the Vikings. All eyes were on the rookie to steady the offense and keep Minnesota’s hopes alive in London.