There are times when opportunity knocks at the most inconvenient moments. For the Minnesota Vikings, that moment arrived when Carson Wentz, visibly struggling, finally succumbed to injury. Now, the team has to make some tough decisions, with rookie J.J. McCarthy stepping into the limelight and veteran John Wolford coming on board to help stabilize the quarterback situation.

The Vikings announced on Wednesday that they’ve signed quarterback John Wolford to their practice squad. The 30-year-old brings prior experience under head coach Kevin O’Connell during their time with the Rams. Wolford has played in seven games and started four, showcasing some mobility and composure, but he’s never secured a full-time role. His arrival follows Wentz’s placement on Injured Reserve after playing through a torn labrum and fractured socket, an injury that will require surgery.

O’Connell revealed that Wentz had been determined to keep playing, knowing what it meant for the younger quarterbacks behind him. “Carson’s a veteran,” O’Connell said. “He understands some of our circumstances.” The coach admitted he didn’t want to throw rookie Max Brosmer or the recovering McCarthy into the fire behind a patchwork offensive line missing both starting tackles.

Now, with Wentz sidelined for the season, the Vikings will find out what McCarthy can do. The No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft has thrown just 41 passes in his career, limited by injuries since entering the league. McCarthy will start against Detroit, with Brosmer as backup, as the Vikings try to evaluate their young core over the final 10 games.

Wolford’s signing gives Minnesota an insurance option, but all eyes are on McCarthy. The next two months could define whether he’s the team’s future or just another experiment under center.

Now, as the Vikings brace for a defining stretch, the focus shifts from quarterback uncertainty to the other side of the ball. The defense faces its own identity crisis. Brian Flores’ unit, once considered the team’s backbone, has faltered under pressure.

Vikings eye defensive struggle as Harrison Smith’s role comes under review

The Vikings’ defense is running out of excuses. Just two weeks after their bye, Brian Flores’ unit has suffered back-to-back performances that are the worst of the season, leaving coaches and veterans scrambling for solutions.

At 36, Harrison Smith is back in the starting lineup and still managing to defy age, but his role might be changing soon. Flores, known for his adaptability, could decide to move the veteran safety closer to the line of scrimmage, relying on his tackling skills and instincts to bring some stability to a defense that seems to have lost its edge. Smith has been a key player for Minnesota, racking up over 3,600 career snaps inside the box. This season, he’s been balancing deep coverage with run support, notching 21 tackles and two pass breakups in just five games.

“Everyone has somewhat of a role and you just have to own up to it,” linebacker Eric Wilson said after last week’s 37-10 defeat to the Chargers. His comments highlighted a group that’s still grappling with the fundamentals like tackling, setting edges, and maintaining discipline. Flores’ aggressive strategy hasn’t been effective either. Minnesota’s aggressive defensive looks have often been exploited, with opposing quarterbacks easily completing passes against their five-man pressures.

The run defense is the biggest worry. The Vikings have dropped from a top-five ranking last season to 24th in expected points added per carry. Without Andrew Van Ginkel, their edge-setting and gap integrity have fallen apart, revealing vulnerabilities from Dallas Turner to Javon Hargrave.

As the Vikings gear up to face the Lions, one of the NFL’s most physical offenses, Flores might have no choice but to rely on experience. A more box-oriented role for Smith, alongside Josh Metellus and Blake Cashman in hybrid alignments, could be Minnesota’s last chance to regain some defensive balance before the season spirals out of control.