Vikings Rookie QB Max Brosmer Sends Strong Message on New Role

Max Brosmer has gone from undrafted rookie to No. 2 on the depth chart as the Minnesota Vikings navigate an uncertain future without J.J. McCarthy at quarterback.

McCarthy will miss Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and possibly much more after sustaining a high-ankle sprain in Sunday’s 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Carson Wentz has already been tabbed the replacement, but right behind him is Brosmer.

No matter the role, Brosmer insists he’s ready.

“The mindset I’ve taken is continue to attack every single day and prepare like I’m the starter,” Brosmer said this week. “That’s the role of the backup quarterback in the NFL, is to prepare like a starter every single day. If you’re doing that, then it doesn’t matter if you’re one snap or two snaps away.

“Last week I was two snaps away. Now, I’m one snap away.”

Max Brosmer Learning Lessons from Veteran Teammate

Brosmer, 24, has yet to see action in the preseason. He did play in the preseason, completing 35 of 58 passes for 364 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The Vikings signed Wentz on Aug. 24 — two days before NFL cutdown day — to fill out their quarterback room. Brosmer spent the first two games handling emergency duties as the team’s third quarterback, but McCarthy’s injury has changed the equation.

Brosmer has had a lot to process, but he’s tried to keep a close eye on the 32-year-old Wentz, who Sunday will become the first player in NFL history to start for six different teams over six consecutive seasons.

“You’re learning little things throughout the week, especially from Carson,” Brosmer said. “I get to learn from him on a weekly basis, on a daily basis. I’m excited to see how he handles himself … seeing how someone who’s played in the NFL for 10 years kind of handles himself as the starter throughout the week.”

Wentz was the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft. He was a Second Team All-Pro in 2017, when he threw for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns in 13 games with the Philadelphia Eagles. But he missed the run to Super Bowl LII because of a torn ACL, and the Eagles traded him to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. Since then, he’s also played for the Washington Commanders (2022) and Kansas City Chiefs (2024).

Vikings Add Desmond Ridder to QB Room

Seeking more depth, the Vikings signed Desmond Ridder to their active roster on Wednesday. Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick, won’t be active for Week 3 but could eventually play his way into a larger role with McCarthy expected to miss two to four weeks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Ridder appeared in six games last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, passing for 458 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jayden Daniels Out: Marcus Mariota to Start for Commanders in Week 3

The Washington Commanders won’t have superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 3 and will start veteran backup Marcus Mariota in his place against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.

MRI tests revealed Daniels suffered a PCL sprain in a 27-18 Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Mariota is in his second season as Daniels’ backup and signed a 1-year, $8 million contract on March 12 after playing on a 1-year, $6 million contract in 2024.

“Now official: Commanders HC Dan Quinn said Marcus Mariota will start Sunday versus the Raiders,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on September 19. 

Mariota filled in for Daniels in 2024 after he injured his ribs in the first quarter of a 40-7 Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Mariota looked sharp that day, going 18-of-23 passing for 205 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions to go with 11 carries for 34 yards.

He also saw extended action in the regular season finale, going 15-of-19 passing for 161 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions to go with 5 carries for 56 yards and 1 touchdown in a 23-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

 

Mariota, Daniels Have Plenty In Common

Mariota and Daniels have a lot in common aside from just how they play — starting with both being similar size. Mariota is 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds while Daniels is 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds.

Both players were No. 2 overall picks in the NFL draft. Mariota was picked No. 2 by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 and Daniels was picked No. 2 in the 2024 NFL draft by th Commanders.

Both were rookie starting quarterbacks. Mariota went 3-9 in 2015 and Daniels went 12-5 in 2024, leading his team to the NFC Championship Game.

Both played in the Pac-12 Conference. Mariota starred at the University of Oregon. Daaniels started his career at Arizona State before he transferred to LSU for his final 2 seasons.

Both Mariota and Daniels are also part of college football’s most exclusive club — Mariota became Oregon’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 2014 and Daniels won the Heisman Trophy at LSU in 2023.

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