Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz had a rough end to the 2024 season, failing to score a single point in last January's season finale. With the Chiefs having the one seed locked up, the backup was given a chance to put together a statement game. One that perhaps would offer a chance at a starting job or allow the former Philly starter to become a bridge option. This failed epically, forcing Wentz to remain in free agency until the very last days of the preseason. Minnesota opted to sign the veteran to be the backup behind young starter J.J. McCarthy.
Now, two games into the season, it appears that Wentz is going to be given one last gasp at winning a starting role. ESPN's Kevin Siefert reported that McCarthy is unlikely to be able to go in Week 3 against the Bengals. Cincy is already dealing with quarterback issues of its own, with Joe Burrow dealing with an injury expected to keep the starter out of the lineup for the months ahead. Setting up a Week 3 battle of the backups with Jake Browning taking on Carson Wentz.
Former Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz Given a Gift to Reclaim Starting Career
Philly fans are more than happy with Jalen Hurts, who is a proven winner and one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history. However, it is fair to point out that there remains a small piece of fans that wonder what the path for Wentz might have been if not for a fateful 2017 injury that gave Nick Foles a chance to take over and go on a magical run. One that would end Wentz's time with the Eagles due to losing confidence and the locker room. After playing at an MVP level for much of the 2017 season, the signal-caller was never the same after his return.
After leaving the Eagles, starting opportunities continued with the Commanders and Colts. Both franchises quickly turned the page, and Wentz has been relegated to a backup option ever since. Leading to this Week 3 moment that could serve as a springboard to his career. McCarthy is far from lighting it up, playing only one good quarter of football out of eight quarters played.
The Sunday Night Football stage appeared far too big for a quarterback who delivered two key interceptions to the Atlanta Falcons and continually struggled to make the correct reads. If Wentz gets a chance to start on Sunday as expected, there is a chance the Vikings never turn back to McCarthy. If there is any coaching staff in the league capable of turning back the clock for Wentz, it is Minnesota's staff.
Consider what they accomplished with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold in recent years. If there is any remaining chance that Wentz is going to be able to reclaim his status as a starter in this league, it is going to be in Week 3. Making the game mildly interesting for Philly fans who still have mixed feelings about their former starting quarterback.