Carson Wentz is set to make unique NFL history in Week 3 vs. Bengals

Late in the preseason, with the idea of Sam Howell as a capable backup for J.J. McCarthy out the window, the Minnesota Vikings made a pivot to Carson Wentz to fill that role. The former No. 2 overall pick's career arc makes him an ideal veteran backup, and his time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 gives him general familiarity with the roots of Kevin O'Connell's offense.

Now, with McCarthy set to miss 2-4 weeks with a high ankle sprain, Wentz is lined up to be the Vikings' starting quarterback for the next three games. And if he plays particularly well, some might say, maybe he keeps the job even after McCarthy is healthy.

When Wentz takes the first Vikings' offensive snap at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, he will make some NFL history.

Barnwell added how another Vikings quarterback who started a season as the backup almost started at least one game for six different teams in six straight seasons. Case Keenum started in six different cities in six straight seasons, around the Rams' move to Los Angeles, of course, including his memorable run with the Vikings in 2017.

Minnesota Vikings QB Carson Wentz's historical mark is a lesson in resiliency

Wentz spent his first five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles after being drafted second overall by them in 2016. Jalen Hurts replaced him before the 2020 season was over, which ended his time in the City of Brotherly Love.

From there, Wentz went to Indianapolis under former Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and he started all 17 games for the Colts in 2021. Then he started seven games for the Washington Commanders in 2022. Then he started the regular season finale for the Rams in 2023, and he did the same for the Kansas City Chiefs last year.

On Wednesday's episode of "Good Morning Football", Kyle Brandt did a segment on Wentz's journey.

Wentz has been a highly touted draft pick, he's been a young budding star who looked like a long-term franchise quarterback, he's been discarded by three teams, and he's now seen as a valued veteran backup by multiple of the top offensive minds in the NFL. It's hard to think of another NFL quarterback who has had that kind of career journey.

A month ago, Wentz was at home, staying ready but also possibly content to call it a career if a team didn't call him at some point this season. Now, he's set to make some unique history and potentially add to the historical lore of Vikings' backup quarterbacks.