Backup QBs Lead Vikings, Bengals Amid Injuries in Week 3 NFL Showdown

In the 2025 NFL season Week 3 matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium, both the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals will start their backup quarterbacks due to injuries to their starters. Carson Wentz, a former Vikings fan from North Dakota, will make his team debut for Minnesota replacing J.J. McCarthy, who struggled and is dealing with an ankle injury. The Bengals will start Jake Browning in place of Joe Burrow, who is sidelined with turf toe surgery expected to keep him out for several months. Browning, who has prior starting experience and showed promise last season, is embracing the opportunity to lead the Bengals' strong passing offense. Both teams are seeking consistency early in the season, with Minnesota trying to secure a home win and Cincinnati aiming to maintain their unbeaten record. Analysts note the importance of backup quarterbacks adapting their play without trying to replicate the starters, highlighting Browning’s readiness to step up during Burrow’s absence.