The Minnesota Vikings continue to spiral with injuries at the quarterback position, and this time it’s veteran Carson Wentz who’s been hit. Looking ahead — and wanting to ensure JJ McCarthy has an experienced supporter — Kevin O’Connell’s squad has brought in a former Super Bowl champion.
John Wolford — who hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy alongside Matthew Stafford’s Rams — is joining the Vikings’ practice squad. From here on out, Minnesota isn’t leaving anything to chance.
The news was initially revealed by NFL insider Tom Pelissero, who reported the move on his official X account (formerly Twitter) before the Vikings confirmed it on their official website. It’s an intriguing addition for a team looking to make a serious push for the NFC North crown.
“The Vikings are signing veteran QB John Wolford to the practice squad, per sources. Wolford was coached by Kevin O’Connell with the Rams and spent training camp this year with KOC protege Grant Udinski in Jacksonville. Some experienced depth behind J.J. McCarthy,” Pelissero wrote.
John Wolford #13 of the Los Angeles Rams.
The former Wake Forest standout joins Minnesota after a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played alongside Trevor Lawrence. Originally drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, Wolford also spent time outside the NFL with the Arizona Hotshots before returning to the league, where apart from the Rams, he also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
see also
Carson Wentz out for 2025: Who else is on the Vikings QB room behind JJ McCarthy?
A ring in his pocket
While Matthew Stafford orchestrated the championship drive, backup QB John Wolford secured his place as an NFL title winner as the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
What happened to Carson Wentz?
The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback Carson Wentz on Injured Reserve, confirming he will undergo season-ending surgery on his left, non-throwing shoulder. Wentz, who was filling in for the injured J.J. McCarthy, reportedly played through a severe injury—including a dislocated shoulder, torn labrum, and fractured socket—over the last few games.
His remarkable toughness was on full display, but the pain, described by Wentz as “quite possibly” the worst of his career, proved too much. The veteran signal-caller’s season ends abruptly, leaving the QB depth chart in a state of flux as the Vikings look to have McCarthy back in the starting lineup.
Updated Vikings QB depth chart
With Wolford joining the practice squad, the Vikings now have three healthy quarterbacks. J.J. McCarthy leads the QB room, with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer currently behind him on the depth chart. Wolford, however, might compete for the backup role now that he’s in Minnesota.
