Carson Wentz News: Candidate for Week 3 start

Wentz could start at quarterback in Sunday's game against the Bengals with the status of J.J. McCarthy (ankle) uncertain, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't yet ruled out McCarthy for Week 3, but he said Monday that the second-year quarterback's status for the matchup with Cincinnati is unclear due to a high-ankle sprain, leaving Wentz in a position to step in under center. With Joe Burrow (toe) in line for an extended absence of his own, the Week 3 matchup could feature a battle of backup quarterbacks, with Wentz potentially facing off against the Bengals' Jake Browning. Meanwhile, Jordan Addison will finish out his three-game suspension this Sunday, and Aaron Jones (hamstring) appears unlikely to play against Cincinnati, leaving wideouts Justin Jefferson, Jalen Nailor and Adam Thielen, running back Jordan Mason and tight end T.J. Hockenson as the top skill-position weapons available for Week 3.