Max Brosmer Is Knocking on That Door

Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) poses with Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Johnson (89) and offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (79) after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The worst-case scenario has come true for the Minnesota Vikings this season. J.J. McCarthy went down with an injury and will miss real time after spending last season on the sidelines.

J.J. McCarthy’s injury makes Carson Wentz the Minnesota Vikings’ starter, but Max Brosmer is now waiting in the wings for his opportunity.

Kevin O’Connell was banking on his 2024 first-round pick leading the team to the promised land, but that is on hold for now.

On Sunday, veteran Carson Wentz will lead the Vikings against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately for the opponent, they too will be without their starting quarterback. Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury that will require surgery and keep him shelved for a matter of months.

Max Brosmer’s Window Opens Ever So Slightly

That sets up a Carson Wentz versus Jake Browning matchup. It’s definitely not the outcome anyone had hoped for, and it’s a watered-down version of what this game could have been. However, the Vikings still find themselves as slight favorites with their new backup, and the hope would be that Wentz can hold serve.

Minnesota quarterback M. Brosmer throws quickly as Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham comes after him during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. © Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

If there are problems under center, or another injury rears its ugly head, then it’s former Minnesota Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer who will be asked to step in. Throughout the preseason and training camp, plenty was made about just how impressive Brosmer looked. He has been a notable leader since entering the state and earned his way onto the 53-man roster.

Actual snaps as an undrafted rookie would be something else entirely, but it could provide some proof to the pudding. If Minnesota is truly this high on him, and there were enough so to roster three quarterbacks, maybe he proves that he’s not exactly a fish out of water. That would be similar to the Brock Purdy trajectory, but with a hometown level of flavor.

Vikings QB Max Brosmer in 2025.
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer (12) hands the ball off against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The first hope is that Wentz steps into the role vacated by McCarthy and runs with it. Either he starts a winning streak of his own or establishes himself enough to cast away any doubt of his capabilities for the job.

If that’s not the case, though, an exciting storyline with Brosmer as the key subject would hardly be one to shy away from. He was already a blast while putting up one of the best recent seasons in Gophers history. Replicating that in Case Keenum fashion for the Vikings could be a blast, too.


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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, ... More about Ted Schwerzler