Carson Wentz Injury Update: Vikings QB Hurts Shoulder vs Brown
The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback carousel continues to spin — and on Sunday, it took another concerning turn. Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, starting in place of injured rookie J.J. McCarthy, suffered a left shoulder injury during the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns in London.
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Wentz scrambled to pick up a first down. Attempting to extend the play with his legs, he was sandwiched by two Cleveland defenders — linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and safety Grant Delpit — who converged from opposite sides, driving Wentz hard into the turf.
Moments later, the 32-year-old quarterback was seen stretching and rotating his left arm, grimacing in discomfort. The NFL Network broadcast quickly captured Wentz entering the blue medical tent, where he remained for several minutes before being escorted to the locker room for further evaluation.
Early Exit Sparks Concern
With just a few minutes left in the first half, the Vikings’ sideline looked tense. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips huddled with backup options as Wentz’s status remained uncertain. Shortly afterward, sideline reporter Kayla Burton confirmed that the veteran quarterback had been listed as questionable to return with a left shoulder injury — notably, his non-throwing shoulder.
“Carson’s being evaluated right now,” Burton reported. “He’s holding that left arm close to his body. The medical staff has taken him in for X-rays as a precaution.”
The Vikings, already thin at the quarterback position, were forced to consider emergency plans. With McCarthy inactive and rehabbing an ankle sprain, the only other active passer on the roster was rookie Max Brosmer, an undrafted free agent out of New Hampshire.
Wentz Returns After Halftime — Wearing Shoulder Protection
In a surprising and welcome sight, Wentz returned to the field at the start of the second half. Wearing additional protective padding on his left shoulder, he resumed play with noticeable caution but also a determined demeanor.
“Carson Wentz is back in for Minnesota,” the broadcast announced as fans in London applauded. “He’s got some extra protection on that left shoulder but looks ready to go.”
While Wentz’s throwing mechanics remained intact, his mobility appeared limited. The Vikings adjusted their offensive strategy, leaning on quick passes and a heavier ground attack to reduce pressure on their quarterback. Despite the discomfort, Wentz completed several clutch throws to Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, helping Minnesota sustain drives in the third quarter.
O’Connell later praised his veteran signal-caller’s resilience:
“Carson’s a fighter. He wanted to be out there with his guys. We made sure it was safe for him to return, and he gave everything he had.”
Inside the Injury — What We Know
Initial X-rays on Wentz’s shoulder were negative, according to NFL Network’s postgame report, ruling out any structural damage or fractures. The Vikings plan to conduct additional imaging, including an MRI on Monday, to evaluate possible soft tissue issues or a mild sprain.
Because the injury is to Wentz’s non-throwing shoulder, the expectation within the organization is that he may be able to play through it if swelling and pain subside. Still, his status for next week’s divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions remains uncertain.
A team spokesperson described the injury as “day-to-day,” emphasizing that Wentz’s return in the second half was a positive sign:
“Carson was cleared by medical staff at halftime. He’s dealing with soreness and bruising on his left shoulder. Further testing will determine the extent, but there’s no indication of serious damage.”
Vikings’ Quarterback Depth Tested Again
The Vikings’ quarterback situation has been a story of constant change throughout the early part of the 2025 season.
- J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round draft pick, has missed multiple games due to a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 2.
- Carson Wentz, signed in the offseason as an experienced backup, has since stepped in admirably — but now finds himself banged up as well.
- That leaves Max Brosmer, a 24-year-old undrafted rookie, as the only fully healthy quarterback currently available on the roster.
Brosmer made his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, completing 2 of 4 passes for 29 yards in limited action. Though promising in the preseason, the Vikings would prefer not to rush the young quarterback into a full-time starting role unless absolutely necessary.
“Max has shown a lot of poise in practice,” O’Connell said. “He’s growing every week, and if called upon, we believe he can execute the offense. But obviously, we’d like to get Carson healthy.”
Wentz’s Grit Reflects His Career Arc
For Carson Wentz, Sunday’s scare was another reminder of the physical toll his career has taken — and of his enduring determination.
Once the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and an early MVP candidate with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz’s career has been marked by injuries and resilience in equal measure. From torn ligaments and back fractures to concussions and ankle issues, the quarterback has weathered nearly every kind of setback imaginable.
After brief and uneven stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders, Wentz signed a one-year deal with Minnesota to serve as a mentor and insurance policy for McCarthy. His recent performances — including a 2–1 record as starter entering Week 5 — had reignited hope of a late-career revival.
“He’s a veteran who’s been through the highs and lows,” said receiver Justin Jefferson after the game. “You see how much heart he has. He didn’t have to come back out there, but he did it for the team.”
Browns’ Defense Keeps Pressure On
While Wentz’s injury dominated headlines, credit must also go to the Cleveland Browns’ defense, which continued its streak of dominance under coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Browns’ front seven consistently collapsed the pocket, recording four sacks and eight quarterback pressures by halftime.
Defensive end Myles Garrett — once again the centerpiece of Cleveland’s attack — acknowledged the physical nature of their approach:
“We wanted to contain Wentz and force him off his spot. He’s a big, strong quarterback, but if you make him move, you can get hits on him. We played disciplined and made him uncomfortable.”
The Browns went on to edge the Vikings 23–17, improving to 4–1 on the season, while Minnesota slipped to 2–3.
What’s Next for Minnesota
With the team heading back from London, all eyes will be on Wentz’s MRI results and McCarthy’s recovery timeline. The Vikings are entering a pivotal stretch of their schedule with divisional matchups against the Lions and Packers in consecutive weeks.
If Wentz is unable to play, expect Brosmer to take first-team reps in practice starting Wednesday, with the team likely signing a veteran backup to the practice squad for depth. Free-agent options could include experienced journeymen such as Trevor Siemian or Colt McCoy.
For now, though, O’Connell insists the Vikings remain confident in Wentz’s recovery:
“Carson’s been a stabilizing force for us. We’ll keep evaluating, but knowing him, he’ll do everything possible to be ready next week.”
Bottom Line
The Vikings’ London trip highlighted both their resilience and vulnerability. Wentz’s injury scare — though seemingly minor — underscores just how thin the team’s margin for error has become at the most important position on the field.
For Wentz, it’s another test of perseverance in a career defined by both talent and toughness. For the Vikings, it’s yet another reminder that health — not just skill — will determine whether their 2025 season can stay afloat.
