The Minnesota Vikings will go into their showdown against their division rivals, the Detroit Lions, a little light on their roster. Already facing the daunting task of traveling to the Motor City to face Dan Campbell's big-play defense, they will also be only two men deep at the most important position on the playing field.
The Vikings (3-4) will only have two quarterbacks dressed and available against Detroit (5-2) in their week 9 match-up on Sunday. 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy will get the start under center, while Max Brosmer will be his backup.
Earlier in the week, the team signed veteran QB John Wolford to the practice squad. However, the Vikings did not sign him to the active roster.
“Between [Brosmer] and J.J., I don't know how [quarterbacks coach] Josh [McCown] and [assistant offensive coordinator] Jordan [Traylor] are sleeping at all right now, with how much those guys are late-night texting, early texting," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said, according to Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Andrew Krammer
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No matter the optimism displayed by the two passers entering this game, it could spell disaster for Minnesota. The Vikings surrendered five sacks in their week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The team has given up 28 sacks on the season. Meanwhile, the Lions have recorded 24 sacks as a team, led by Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchison. So, if multiple injuries occur, the Vikes will have to scramble to find someone to take the snaps.
While it's rare for a team to lose all its QBs in one game, it most notably occurred in the 2022 NFC Championship Game, when the 49ers lost both starter Brock Purdy early in the game and backup Josh Johnson in the second half. Eventually, running back Christian McCaffrey was taking snaps.