The P/PTSD Perspective: New Starter, QB Decision for Week 4, and No Thanks to Young Passer

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Sep 27, 2025
Blake Brandel warms up before Vikings game against Bengals in Cincinnati.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) goes through warmups at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio, prior to a matchup with the Bengals. The young lineman prepared for his role on special teams and depth duties, working through pregame drills as teammates joined him on the field in the early afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports.

PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past week in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.

The P/PTSD Perspective: September 27th, 2025

1) Vikings Announce the New Starter for Week 4: Blake Brandel is getting tossed back into the starting lineup. He should do well, all things considered. Donovan Jackson has been a strong option as the LG1 but a wrist surgery has sidelined the young lineman. Look for #64 at the left guard spot in Ireland on Sunday.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

2) Vikings Have Already Made the QB Choice for Week 4: Pretty easy decision. After all, Carson Wentz played tidy football last weekend, leading a team that won 48-10. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy is still working on getting back to 100%. No need to rush the kid; rather, allow the veteran to command the offense for at least one more week.

3) Vikings Say “No Thanks” to Free Agent QB: Part of the process of beefing up the quarterback spot in the aftermath of J.J. McCarthy’s injury. The Vikings opted for Desmond Ridder. Based on career stats alone — which is to say nothing of working for the Bengals previously — Minnesota made a wise call.

Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

4) Hidden Boost Puts Vikings in Even Better Shape for Week 4: Part of re-welcoming a player back from suspension means opening up a roster spot on the 53. Indeed, every addition requires a subtraction when the roster is at capacity. So, Minnesota said goodbye to a player to make room for a boost.

5) Vikings Shake Up WR Room: Getting Jordan Addison back onto the field is going to be a huge. Tim Jones had to get dropped down, but Addison’s impact on the offense should be noticeable from Week 4 onward. Can Pittsburgh keep up with all of the weapons the Vikings will trot onto the field while in Ireland?

Jordan Addison reaches for a pass in 2024 agains the Chicago Bears.
Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass as Chicago Bears cornerback Terell Smith (32) defends during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Enjoy the extra reading, Vikings fans.

Also Read on Vikings Territory:Vikings QB Smacked with Worst Grade Possible
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By K. Joudry
I'm the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. I am Canadian.