The Minnesota Vikings are bringing in a familiar NFL name to stabilize their quarterback room.
On Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with 26-year-old quarterback Desmond Ridder, who joins the roster after J.J. McCarthy suffered a high right ankle sprain expected to keep him out two to four weeks.
The #Vikings are signing QB Desmond Ridder to the 53-man roster, with JJ McCarthy suffering an ankle injury, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/nCsmmbSNg3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2025
Ridder, originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, has started 18 career games and thrown for 4,002 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
After stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, he most recently spent training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals before being released in August. Ironically, the Vikings face Cincinnati this Sunday, giving Ridder’s short time in their system added intrigue as potential intel.
Wentz to Start, Ridder Provides Depth
With McCarthy sidelined, veteran Carson Wentz will start against the Bengals, while Ridder and rookie Max Brosmer provide depth. Minnesota opted not to place McCarthy on injured reserve, leaving the door open for an earlier-than-expected return.
Ridder may begin as the emergency third quarterback but could quickly rise to QB2 depending on how fast he adapts to Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
By signing Desmond Ridder to the 53-man roster, not the practice squad, the #Vikings gain flexibility to potentially have an experienced starter as QB2, rather than press undrafted rookie Max Brosmer into action if something happens to Carson Wentz. https://t.co/dbQyPm2nWv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 16, 2025
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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