J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
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J.J. McCarthy #9 and Carson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings look on before a game against the Chicago Bears.
There is no bright side to the supremely talented Joe Burrow’s injury diagnosis. The MVP hopeful is now expected to miss the next three months. But if there is any sort of news that can change the outlook for the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s the news coming out of Minnesota Vikings’ camp. Starting quarterback JJ McCarthy is “unlikely” to play against Cincy in Week 3.
“J.J. McCarthy’s star-crossed NFL career took another turn Monday when a seemingly innocuous right ankle roll was diagnosed as a high ankle sprain that will sideline him for two to four weeks,” writes ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
Additionally, the Vikes may be without Pro Bowler Aaron Jones.
“The Vikings are also likely to be without running back Aaron Jones, who has a hamstring injury, and are monitoring the status of a half-dozen other veterans who have been injured early this season,” Seifert continues.
Choice Between NFL Vet Or Undrafted Rookie
If Monday’s press conference was any indication, it appears as though the Vikings are going to roll out NFL veteran Carson Wentz on Sunday afternoon.
“He was really impressive last week,” said O’Connell about Wentz. “Kind of stepping in, you felt the better presence in the command. He’s really smart, a guy that’s played a lot of football, and he’s been able to get himself to a place where he’s felt very comfortable these past two weeks had he needed to go in the football game. And now he’ll get a week of preparation to get ready to go play.”
Wentz hasn’t even been on the Vikings for more than a month, the tenth-year play caller was signed by the team on August 24th. Two of the other three quarterbacks who entered training camp with Minnesota have been cut. This means the only man sitting behind the veteran newcomer, is undrafted free agent Max Brosmer.
“At some point over the next month, will undrafted rookie Max Brosmer become the next man in?” asks Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “Brosmer, the only one of three backups throughout the offseason program and training camp to make it to the 53-man roster (Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are gone), played at the University of Minnesota last season. And the Vikings love him.”
If the Bengals are able to make Wentz return to familiar shape, could there by a mid game shift to the unproven rookie?
Regardless, Sunday will be a battle between the back ups as Cincy tries to remain perfect on the season.
Jake Browning Says He Will Give The Team A Chance To Win
Jake Browning came in to a stuff spot. After a week and offseason of preparing to play in a backup capacity, the quarterback was asked to throw 32 times Sunday to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-27. He amassed 241 yards and lead a 15 play go-ahead scoring drive.
Browning wants fans to know that this is what they are going to get under his leadership.
“If you’re wearing a Bengals uniform on Sunday, I’m going to give you a chance and go down swinging. I feel like good things happen when I throw it up to Mitch (Tinsley),” said Browning, who threw two touchdown passes.