With J.J. McCarthy out due to an ankle injury, the Vikings are turning to veteran Carson Wentz, and head coach Kevin O’Connell says the QB is ready.

Speaking with Paul Allen on KFAN Radio, the head coach shared his thoughts on Wentz’s readiness. “I don’t think it (the football) hit the ground more than one time. He was in total command. I was really pushing the group via the play clock coming off of the Chicago game because I thought we were a little slow with our operation, especially early.”

He continued, “And I was trying to push the entire group, and obviously the quarterback’s going to feel that, and Carson did a phenomenal job with that”. However, O’Connell didn’t rely on practice alone.

The coach also sought advice from coaches who’ve worked with Wentz. He spoke to Sean McVay and Andy Reid, both of whom shared similar praise for the veteran quarterback.

“A lot of the things that both of those guys who I hold in such high regard as phenomenal head coaches, Super Bowl-winning head coaches in the NFL, they had very similar things to say independent of each other. And a lot of those things, if not all, have already been confirmed with what Carson’s been able to do on the practice field,” O’Connell said.

He praised the 32-year-old for his athleticism and veteran presence across multiple teams.

This game could be special for Wentz. If he starts, he will be the first quarterback in NFL history to start for six teams in six straight seasons.

Since 2020, Wentz has played for the Eagles (2020), Colts (2021), Commanders (2022), Rams (2023), and Chiefs (2024). The Vikings could potentially become the sixth team in this streak.

While he started 12 games for the Eagles in 2020 and 17 for the Colts in 2021, his playing time has been far more limited in the seasons that followed. This can be his chance to make an impact.

The coach also spoke about McCarthy’s need to improve his mindset and footwork. While he’s expected to return as starter once healthy, the team still lacks depth behind Wentz.

The Vikings made a crucial investment after J.J. McCarthy’s injury

The Vikings have been hit hard by injuries since Week 2. Ryan Kelly, Justin Skule, and Aaron Jones are all sidelined. With Carson Wentz stepping in as the starter, the only other quarterback on the roster was rookie Max Brosmer, leaving the team short on experience.

To fill that gap, the Vikings signed Desmond Ridder to the 53-man roster.

Ridder was drafted by the Falcons in 2022 and played 25 games over three seasons. He started 18 of those games, threw for 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, and added five rushing scores.

The 26-year-old spent last season with the Raiders and joined the Bengals for training camp this year, but didn’t make their final roster. Now, the Bengals are in need of a backup quarterback after Joe Burrow’s injury.

Meanwhile, Ridder has joined the Vikings just in time for their Week 3 game against Cincinnati. The team hopes Carson Wentz stays healthy so Ridder won’t have to play. Still, his experience could help the Vikings get ready for the matchup.