Vikings Weigh Trade Options Amid OL Crisis

Through Week 5 the Minnesota Vikings have been derailed by injuries: 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy remains sidelined and veteran Carson Wentz has been forced to start, suffering six sacks in the Ireland loss to Pittsburgh. The team's offseason investment in the offensive line has been undercut—center Ryan Kelly suffered another concussion, Donovan Jackson and Brian O'Neill are out, and Minnesota entered Week 5 without a rostered center, prompting open tryouts and consideration of Blake Brandel at center despite no prior experience there. That depleted front has left Wentz especially vulnerable and prompted talk of prioritizing McCarthy’s long-term protection over risking further injury in upcoming games. Personnel decisions loom: if Wentz plays well he could be shopped before the trade deadline or kept for compensatory value, and analysts have floated a bold fix such as trading for former No. 7 pick Evan Neal to stabilize the line. The Vikings’ immediate aim is damage control through the bye while they try to shore up the offensive front.