Carson Wentz Returns As Vikings Starting Quarterback In Week 3

The prodigal son has come home, or at least has been named the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in week 3 of the NFL season.

For the uninitiated:

Carson Wentz played his high school football at Century High School in Bismarck, where he was a standout. He chose to stay close to home and play at North Dakota State University in Fargo.

At NDSU, Wentz led the Bison to back-to-back national championships in 2014 and 2015. In his college career, he threw for over 5,000 yards and 45 touchdowns while adding another 13 scores on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability and toughness.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Wentz with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He quickly became their franchise quarterback, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 16 touchdowns as a rookie. His 2017 season was his best, passing for 33 touchdowns in just 13 games before an injury cut it short, resulting in Nick Foles leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win.

Since then, his career has included stints with the Colts, Commanders, Rams, Chiefs, and now the Vikings.

Wentz is also widely considered the reason that former Colts owner Jim Irsay drafted Anthony Richardson after Wentz failed to secure a week 18 win that would have seen the Colts make the playoffs for the fist time since Andrew Luck.

Injury Bug Concerns

One of the biggest knocks on Carson Wentz throughout his career has been his ability to stay healthy.

Since entering the league, injuries have forced him to miss nearly 20% of his games during seasons where he was considered the starting quarterback.

That reputation traces all the way back to college, when in 2015 at North Dakota State he fractured a bone in his throwing wrist and missed eight games after surgery.

The trend continued in the NFL, where Wentz cracked a rib during his rookie preseason with the Eagles, but his most devastating setback occurred in December 2017. He tore both his ACL and LCL in Week 14, which forced him to watch from the sidelines as Nick Foles led the team to the Super Bowl without him.

In 2018, a back fracture ended his season early, followed by a concussion in the 2019 playoffs. His time in Indianapolis in 2021 included a foot injury in training camp and a high ankle sprain during Week 2.

With Washington in 2022, he suffered both a bicep strain and a fractured finger that placed him on injured reserve.

Back At QB1

The announcement for Wentz to start was made after starting quarterback JJ McCarthy was ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in the team's week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

While Wentz will have plenty of capable targets to get the ball to in Jefferson, Thielen, and Hockenson, he will be without the services of his starting running back, Aaron Jones.

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Fear not, hornheads, new RB1. Jordan Mason will be an everyday starting running back at some point in the near future in the league. He was one of the most efficient runners last year while starting for the after CMC was shut down due to a lower leg injury.

The Bengals will also be without Joe Burrow, who is expected to miss up to three months with an injury as well. Jake Browning stepped in admirably to help get the Bengals to a 2-0 start to the season.

And in case you need one:

Official Excusal Form

Signee: _______________________________

Date of Note: ____ / ____ / ______

To Whom It May Concern: This is to certify that the above-named signee is temporarily excused from all afternoon duties on Sunday from 12:00 PM Central Time until the conclusion of the Minnesota Vikings game and is advised to remain off work for the following Monday for post-event recovery and observation should Carson Wentz lead the Vikings to victory.

Reason for excusal: the signee is experiencing acute symptoms of extreme fandom and celebratory exhaustion associated with intense emotional engagement in professional football due to the unique circumstance that Carson Wentz is the starting quarterback. Symptoms include (but are not limited to) excessive cheering, cognitive replay of game scenarios, unpredictable celebratory behavior, and an increased need for validation and analysis.

Recommended non-clinical management: Ample hydration, light snacks, social support from fellow fans, avoidance of workplace duties during the noted period, and gentle reminders that at least you’re not the Cowboys.