The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers to start the 2026 season with a win, but 29 of their points came in the final 17 minutes of the game. Plenty of questions surround the Vikings, and they don't solely revolve around the quarterback position.
Brian Flores' defense overwhelmed the Packers in the fourth quarter, but there were far too many wide-open Green Bay receivers throughout the day. Minnesota's offense did enough to win, but it will need more consistency moving forward so it isn't clawing its way back late in games.
The next opponent further amplifies these concerns. Next week, the Vikings travel to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears, who beat the Carolina Panthers 59-37 on Sunday. Minnesota will need to tighten things up so that they aren't involved in a shootout they can't keep up in.
Kyler Murray's long-awaited Vikings debut was cut short when he left the game with a concussion suffered in the first quarter. Carson Wentz replaced him, completing 12/19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, doing enough to keep the offense on schedule.
But Murray's availability is already in question for next week. On Monday, Adam Schefter reported that "it looks like" Wentz will start next Sunday against the Bears, as Murray remains in concussion protocol.

#next #minnesota #wentz #start

The Chicago Bears kicked off their season with a decisive 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers, which saw them put up 552 yards of total offense, the third-most in a Bears game in the Super Bowl era.
Bears fans are hoping to see a similar occurrence when the team travels back to Chicago for Week 2, where the team will face their division rival Minnesota Vikings.
SHOP: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Week 2 NFL tickets
Minnesota is coming off an emphatic 39-22 victory against the Green Bay Packers, a win in which the team lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray early. If you ask a Vikings fan, they probably aren't too worried after a three-touchdown game from backup Carson Wentz.
The rivals split their matchups last year. Minnesota won the first game, 27-24, and Chicago won the second game 19-17. Don't miss what's sure to be intriguing game, tickets are still available to see a classic Bears vs. Vikings rivalry game. Learn more about ticket options below:

#week

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray exited the Vikings' win over the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter on Sept. 13 with a concussion after a scary hit from Green Bay safety Javon Bullard.
Murray was sliding at the Vikings 35-yard line nine minutes into the quarter when Bullard and Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness went to tackle him. Murray took a big hit. Bullard received a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.
Murray's status isn't certain. He will have to pass concussion protocol before he returns for Minnesota. Carson Wentz replaced Murray at QB for the Vikings.
The Vikings were obviously frustrated with the hit, as was social media, with many slamming the Packers for the incident after the game.
Minnesota rallied from a 22-10 deficit in the third quarter to win 39-22.

#bullard

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers, according to ESPN.com.
Why it Matters: It was the first time since Dec. 22, 2024, that Jefferson had two touchdown receptions in a game. In fact, he had just two TDs all of last season. Last season's struggles caused him to slip in fantasy drafts to the midway portion of the first round, and he could absolutely outplay that. His two scores came with Carson Wentz under center, so we'll have a little bit of cautious optimism to see how he and Kyler Murray (concussion) connect when he's fit to return. Jefferson is a must-start every week, including against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Justin Jefferson scores twice

#last #scores #Vikings #packers

Minnesota Vikings QB Carson Wentz went 12-for-19 for 133 yards, three touchdowns and no INTs in relief of QB Kyler Murray (concussion) during the Vikings' 39-22 comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, according to ESPN.com.
Why it Matters: Murray left in the first quarter with a concussion and may not make it back in time to face the Chicago Bears Sunday. Wentz took a beating, and he was helped out by several terrible penalties on Green Bay's defense. He still put the ball in the end zone, but it doesn't look sustainable. He's only a QB2 in superflex and two-QB leagues.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carson Wentz shines in relief

#relief #minnesota

Adam Schefter believes the Vikings and J.J. McCarty are "stuck with each other" for now, but could "explore a divorce" ahead of the 2027-28 NFL season.
"I know people are probably surprised by this, but I don't think it was a big surprise at all in the football community. The Vikings have named Carson Wentz as their backup quarterback to Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy No. 3. I think from the moment that Kyler Murray won that job — there's a reason they signed Carson Wentz; they signed Carson Wentz as a veteran backup — and with J.J. McCarthy there, they've made the decision to use him as No. 3," Schefter said.
"J.J. McCarthy's already said he doesn't want to be traded, wants to be in Minnesota this year. It's probably best for both sides to spend the year together before they explore a divorce. It's not an ideal marriage this season in Minnesota, but they're sort of stuck with each other for the time being."
A couple things to point out before we get to the divorce idea:
Schefter is the same guy who thought McCarthy had a "multi-week" ankle injury, only for Vikings GM Nolan Teasley to smash that rumor days later. That begs the question: Who is supplying Schefter with his McCarthy information?

#schefter #divorce #kyler #murray

Vikings' J.J. McCarthy decision changes meaning of his former franchise-QB label originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Vikings insist they have not given up on J.J. McCarthy. Their depth chart tells a more complicated story.
Minnesota general manager Nolan Teasley reaffirmed the organization's belief in McCarthy this week and said he expects the former first-round pick to remain with the Vikings. McCarthy currently projects behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz after another injury-disrupted offseason, according to the New York Post.
That is an extraordinary position for a quarterback selected 10th overall only two years ago. It does not necessarily mean his opportunity has ended.
Minnesota originally drafted McCarthy as its possible long-term answer. A torn meniscus erased his rookie season before it began. Ankle and concussion issues then limited him to 10 games last year, preventing the Vikings from receiving a clean evaluation of his development.

#Vikings #former #preferred #teasley

The Lady Pirates' soccer team got to play in front of the home crowd Monday and Greensburg made it well worth the price of admission.
Greensburg scored six goals in the first half and another three goals in the second half to knock off Knightstown 9-0.
Kadence Rich led the offense with five goals. Maria Scholle was right behind her teammate with four goals.
Scholle dished out three ******* ists in the contest. Rich added a pair of ******* ists. Mackenzie Schwering and Chloe Wentzel both had one ******* ist.
Greensburg's offensive pressure allotted the Lady Pirates with 41 shots on goal. Scholle and Rich both had 11 shots on goal. Kelsey Wentzel added eight followed by Emma Kennelly six, Alexis Weber two, Rachel Lipps one, Lilian Faris one and Chloe Wentzel one.

#goals #rich #wentzel #lady

Ashlee Simpson Ross and her daughter Jagger Snow Ross have made their modeling debut for Justice
The mother-daughter pair are the stars of the tween fashion brand's Fall and Holiday 2026 campaign, out in October
Ashlee is mom to three children: son Bronx, whom she welcomed with ex-husband Pete Wentz, and Jagger and Ziggy Blu, whom she shares with husband Evan Ross
Ashlee Simpson Ross and her daughter are getting into the back-to-school spirit.
With back-to-school season already on its way, the singer and mom of three is getting into the spirit with a new campaign for kids' clothing brand Justice. Her co-model? Her very own daughter Jagger Snow Ross.

#snow #campaign #three

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced their first 11 cuts on Friday night and on Saturday added two more as the team works to trim down to 53 players by the Sunday deadline. One of Saturday's cuts was outside linebacker Jamin Davis, a former first-round pick of the Washington Commanders.
Davis had been working as the team's No. 5 outside linebacker since the team signed him but faced stiff competition with a stacked group of edge defenders locked in on the Steelers roster. Pittsburgh is projected to keep T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer, with no room for a fifth outside linebacker.
In addition to Davis, the Steelers also released wide receiver Levi Wentz. Like outside linebacker, wide receiver is mostly set for the Steelers with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson, Ben Skownorek and Kaden Wetjen rounding out the depth chart.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any preseason news and injury updates, follow us on X TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers release 2 including former first-round pick LB Jamin Davis

#jamin

The Minnesota Vikings suffered a brutal 34-6 loss to the Denver Broncos on Friday, but the most significant development may have been J.J. McCarthy's absence from the game.
While the Vikings have yet to make a final decision on his future, McCarthy's decision to sit out the Broncos matchup has only added to the speculation around his future. Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe has also weighed in on the turn of events, calling on the Vikings to move on from their experiment with McCarthy.
McCarthy didn't play on Friday night after suffering an ankle injury the previous Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. The timing is significant, with NFL teams approaching the deadline to trim their rosters to 53 players.
Unless Minnesota intends to carry four quarterbacks, the Vikings could be forced to decide between McCarthy and Max Brosmer if Carson Wentz secures the QB2 role behind Kyler Murray.
McCarthy's situation became a major talking point on Friday's episode of the "Nightcap" podcast, where hosts Shannon Sharpe, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, and Joe Johnson questioned his standing in Minnesota after he missed the Vikings' final preseason game.

#Vikings #Broncos #game

Embattled Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the team's preseason finale on Friday night in Denver.
Beat writer Alec Lewis reports that while the Vikings hoped McCarthy's ankle would heal in time for the game, the young quarterback was "not comfortable enough to go." The injury is considered minor, and the team considers him day-to-day.
It's unclear if the Vikings' training staff had any say in McCarthy's availability.
McCarthy injured his ankle in the Vikings' preseason loss to the Ravens on Saturday. He split backup reps with Carson Wentz in practice and was held out of Wednesday's practice in an attempt to let his ankle heal.
After losing the starting quarterback job to Kyler Murray earlier in training camp, McCarthy's shaky performances throughout camp and preseason led many to speculate that he was in a battle with Wentz for the team's backup job. Head coach Kevin O'Connell left the door open when asked about the backup job, noting that the coaching staff will ***** s its options and make a decision that's best for the team.

#team #training

The Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos won't meet again during the 2026 season, but they would certainly love to.
It's a sign of the great expectations that both franchises enter the campaign with, believing that the pieces in place can deliver some great memories and plenty of wins. As usual, it all comes down to the quarterback – the position that separates these two foes.
Bo Nix shined for Denver in the team's second preseason game, showing no signs of rust coming back from a fractured ankle. On the opposite sideline, it has been another offseason of quarterback controversy in Minnesota, headlined by J.J. McCarthy.
The Vikings put their faith in the former Michigan man, hoping he could stabilize the position for years to come. Instead, he has struggled in the preseason and ceded the starting job to Kyler Murray.
In the preseason finale, that remains the most interesting thing to monitor. McCarthy won't suddenly steal the job back, but the Vikings' quarterback room isn't just Murray and him. It's also Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer, who were forced into action in 2025.

#preseason #denver #murray #won 't

The Minnesota Vikings have made one of the most important decisions for the organization, as the franchise's head coach, Kevin O'Connell, announced Kyler Murray as the Week 1 starting quarterback, thus leaving J.J. McCarthy in an uncertain position.
Although the quarterback has lost the starting job to Murray, the head coach insisted that McCarthy still has a future in Minnesota, and the organization looks forward to working with him.
In a recent episode of Pro Football Talk, ******* yst Mike Florio shared his thoughts, as he believes that McCarthy might be cut from the Vikings' roster, and said:
"Two weeks ago, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy lost the starting job to Kyler Murray.
Now, McCarthy could be on the verge of losing the backup job to Carson Wentz.The two split reps at practice for the second team on Tuesday.And the Vikings have to ultimately fill out the depth chart. Coach Kevin O'Connell has left the door open to the possibility of the backup quarterback job being available to either guy.And if McCarthy should somehow fail to be QB2, with the roster cuts coming, it's possible that McCarthy won't be a Viking come next Monday. Whether it's because he's traded or whether because they decided to just eat the remainder of his guaranteed salary through 2027 and release him."
If J.J. McCarthy loses the QB2 spot to Carson Wentz, will McCarthy be on the team after the roster reduces to 53? pic.twitter.com/vdL7Z7EGM5

#coach #minnesota #kevin

After losing the starting quarterback job to Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy could be losing the backup spot, too.
Via Kevin Seifert of ESPN, McCarthy and Carson Wentz split second-team reps during an 80-minute practice on Tuesday.
McCarthy, who fell to No. 2 in the days before the preseason opener, has not performed well in a pair of exhibition games. He continues to have accuracy issues, and he continues to overuse his fastball when making throws.
Wentz was a capable backup in 2025 for the Vikings, despite not signing until late August. With a full offseason, training camp, and preseason in the system, Wentz would be in even better position to fill in for Murray, if necessary.
With Max Brosmer also on the roster, McCarthy could be in danger of not being on the roster by Sunday, when the rosters reduce to 53. The Vikings undoubtedly would try to trade him, since the balance of his 2026 pay ($1.075 million) and all of his 2027 compensation ($3.775 million) are fully guaranteed. The Vikings may have to pay a significant chunk of the money in order to facilitate a deal.

#Vikings #continues #roster #million

Now that the Minnesota Vikings have completed joint practices and their preseason game with the Baltimore Ravens, rather than do a stock market report, with the bulk of the opportunities for players to impress their virtues on the coaching staff have come and gone, and with only one preseason game and a few more practices remaining before roster cuts must be made, I thought I'd simply do another 53-man roster projection.
There are still some tough calls, but here is my best effort at projecting who the Vikings will include on their initial 53-man roster later this month.
The Vikings have kept three quarterbacks on the roster for emergency purposes on games days given the rule that a third quarterback can be added to the active list.
QB1: Kyler Murray
QB2: Carson Wentz

#practices #baltimore #murray

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — J.J. McCarthy had an erratic start for the Minnesota Vikings, completing 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards in a 13-3 exhibition-game loss to Baltimore on Saturday, after undrafted rookie Joe ******* nano threw a touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester for the Ravens.
McCarthy played four series with the second-team offense before yielding to 11th-year veteran Carson Wentz, leaving the picture unclear about who will be the No. 2 quarterback behind Kyler Murray in the regular season.
The 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, who missed his rookie year while recovering from knee surgery and was limited by 10 starts last season because of multiple injuries, misfired to open receivers multiple times. After a 50-yard completion to Tai Felton midway through the first quarter, McCarthy threw too hard into the end zone twice for incompletions that forced a turnover on downs from the 1-yard line.
Tyler Loop made two field goals for the Ravens, who also rested the majority of their starting lineup after two days of joint practices with the Vikings.
The second-team offense with Tyler Huntley at quarterback continually stalled out, but ******* nano — who finished his seven-year college career at UConn — fared well with the deep reserves. ******* nano went 15 for 20 for 123 yards. Rookie tight end Josh Cuevas, a fifth-round draft pick from Alabama, caught three passes for 46 yards. Keondre Jackson, the backup strong safety beginning his second season, had seven tackles, a sack and a quarterback hit to lead Baltimore's defense.

#yards #second #year #quarterback

After the Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Giants in their first preseason game, we have some more tangible play on which to base early evaluations of players on the Vikings' roster. So which players helped their cause on Saturday- and which ones hurt it? Here is a stock market report for the Vikings as they head into joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens later this week. I focused on the quarterbacks, rookies, and those further down the depth chart.
Kyler Murray. Nothing spectacular here, but he was able to run the offense without any big hiccups and at least managed a scoring drive on the one drive he played. A good first trial run.
Carson Wentz. Also showed he can run the offense well after he was given a half-game of snaps. Looking more like QB2 at this point.
Jacob Thomas. Not to be confused with third-round pick Jakobe Thomas. Jacob Thomas is a safety and a UDFA rookie out of James Madison. He had the most reps of any player on both defense and special teams and had the highest PFF grade of any special teamer (82.3) and was tied for the most special teams tackles (2) and was also the second-highest PFF graded defender (92.5) with one tackle for a stop, 2 ******* ists, and an interception. He has impressed in training camp as well and all that is how an unheralded UDFA makes the roster. He was taking some first-team reps in Monday's practice.
Max Bredeson. He only had seven snaps on offense, but he showed he can be an effective role player at fullback in the Vikings' evolving offensive scheme. He also did well as a core special teamer. He looks like he'll be an upgrade over C.J. Ham.

#thomas #offense #well

J.J. McCarthy may not have won the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback job, but that didn't mean he didn't have a chance to cement himself as the team's primary backup. However, his uneven performance in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants raises questions about his development.
After Kyler Murray and the Vikings' first-team offense drove 54 yards for a field goal on the game's opening drive, McCarthy and the second-team offense got off to a bad start. On his first snap under center, McCarthy mistimed a handoff on a jet-sweep to Jeshaun Jones. Two plays later, McCarthy overthrew Jones on an out-route that would have picked up a first down with an accurate pass.
McCarthy finished the day 4/7 for 34 yards, providing the same up-and-down performance that ailed him throughout the 2025 season.
"Experiencing pressure in the pocket should only help his calmness," Alec Lewis wrote in The Athletic on Saturday. "Visualizing coverages should only speed up his on-field awareness. The Vikings entered training camp with hope that they would see growth from their former first-rounder. Although O'Connell has talked positively about McCarthy's development, many of the themes that torpedoed the 2025 season were on display Saturday."
McCarthy's erratic play was accentuated after Carson Wentz entered the game in the second half. Wentz went 9/14 passing for 81 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he displayed the calming presence one would expect of an 11th-year veteran.

#saturday #wentz

We're officially in the middle of the training camp edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff. With fans needing to wait only 28 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, we'll take a look at the most recent and best players to ever wear No. 28.
The Steelers currently have two rookie No. 28 wearers on their roster: wide receiver Levi Wentz and safety Robert-Spears Jennings.
Robert Spears-Jennings, 2026-present
Levi Wentz, 2026-present
Miles Killebrew, 2021-2025

#robert #we 're #pittsburgh

It wasn't a particularly entertaining ordeal, but the Minnesota Vikings came away from their first preseason game with several positives. On a sunny day at MetLife Stadium, the Vikings set the tone early in a 13-10 win, offering optimism that their offseason goal of improving the run game could translate into on-field production.
Of course, improving the run game is only one factor in returning Minnesota's offense to prominence. Kevin O'Connell wanted improved quarterback play, and while Kyler Murray only threw three passes, Carson Wentz showed command of the offense that could lead one to believe that although one quarterback competition is settled, another could quietly be brewing.
Below are three instant takeaways from the Vikings' victory in their preseason opener.
Even O'Connell's most loyal defenders can't hide his team's deficiencies in the run game. Since taking over in 2022, Minnesota has ranked in the bottom 10 in rushing yards three times, never higher than 19th in 2024. The Vikings hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith to emphasize a wide-zone running scheme, hoping it would make teams think twice about doubling Justin Jefferson.
Minnesota's first drive gave us a glimpse of what could be coming. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason combined for six runs for 44 yards, each breaking off a run of 15-plus yards on the drive. On top of the offensive line providing good rushing lanes, rookie fullback Max Bredeson helped Jones pop off for an 18-yard gain on the Vikings' first play from scrimmage.

#improving

Lane Johnson's announcement Saturday that this probably will be his last NFL season brought up more than a few memories.
His has been quite a journey — from junior college quarterback to best right tackle in Eagles history, with two Super Bowl rings. Johnson is a certainty for the franchise's Hall of Fame, and I think he ought to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well, as the best right tackle of his era. (His remarks about the deficiencies of "expert rankings" Saturday were very much on point.)
The sharpest memory that came to mind, though, was of a day exactly 10 years ago, when I emerged from a brief phone conversation with Johnson wondering if his career was going to be one of those "what might have been" stories.
It was August 9, 2016, and my training camp focus was on the new rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, along with the new head coach, Doug Pederson. Then came a report that Johnson, who had served a four-game NFL suspension in 2014 for what was said to be unapproved Adderall usage, had flunked another drug test. That would mean a 10-game NFL suspension, and more ominously, it would put him on the path to a career-killing 2-year ban, should there be a third such instance.
I called him – I'm pretty sure I was the first reporter to reach him after the news broke – and he initially denied any knowledge of a failed test. Within hours, he'd walked that back. I won't go through the whole history of the next several weeks, but the suspension wasn't announced right away, and then Johnson appealed it. Finally, the appeal was denied, as almost all NFL appeals are, and he started serving the suspension, four games into the season.

#fame #tackle

The Iowa Cubs activated right-hander Andrew Wentz from the Development List. Left-hander Luis Peralta went to the Development List.
The Iowa Cubs were pulled into the water by Gannett Stripers (Braves), 7-5.
Jace Beck made his Iowa debut and got rocked for five runs on seven hits over three innings. Beck walked two and struck out three. To be fair, the Stripers were once again loaded with major leaguers in the lineup like Ronald Acuńa Jr., Ha-Seong Kim, Carlos Santana, Andrew McCutchen and José Azócar.
The loss went to Andrew Wentz, who allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits over three innings. Wentz struck out five and walked just one.
Catcher Owen Ayers was 2 for 4 with an RBI and one run scored.

#iowa #three #beck

We're almost there, folks: training camp.
While the NFL offseason is tediously long, I'm usually fine and adequately preoccupied with baseball and the usual summer activities that fill evenings and weekends. The World Cup was also a welcome distraction this year.
Nonetheless, when the MLB All-Star Break hits, the itch becomes impossible to scratch, and football season can't arrive soon enough.
The focus will be on the quarterback competition. Since I last touched on the topic a few weeks ago, the odds have shifted ever so slightly in J.J. McCarthy's favor (-770, 88.5% implied probability, down from -1000, 90.9%).
Regardless, it can still comfortably be filed under "shock" if Kyler Murray isn't under center in Week 1. How I feel and what I want are utterly irrelevant. The important thing is that the Vikings' front office has secured the appropriate insurance policy with Murray and (a healthy) Carson Wentz to ensure last year's quarterback situation is not repeated. Good luck to Kyler and J.J., and whatever happens, happens.

#last #we 're #nonetheless

Stepping into the spotlight often means balancing more than just career goals, some stars also embraced motherhood at an early age. Here are 13 well-known women who welcomed their first children while still young, proving you can shine on screen, on stage, in sports, and at home. Dive in to see the faces and stories behind the headlines, featuring everyone from pop icons to world-class athletes.
Ashlee Simpson became a mother early in her music and acting career. Navigating fame, reality TV, and young motherhood, Ashlee has faced the spotlight with resilience and style. Her son, Bronx Mowgli Wentz, her only child with former husband Pete Wentz, was born on November 20, 2008, as reported by The List. Her journey proves that even with the pressures of Hollywood, starting a family young can be part of a life beautifully lived.
Kate Hudson welcomed her first child at a young age, seamlessly blending her roles as a sought-after actress and a devoted mom. She gave birth to a son, Ryder Russell Robinson, with her ex-husband, Chris Robinson, on January 7, 2004, according to TODAY. Her love for family shines through all aspects of her life, from romantic comedies to fitness ventures. Kate's vibrant personality lights up both her career and her home life.
Victoria Beckham, world-renowned for her transformative journey from pop stardom to fashion mogul, stepped into motherhood early. She and David Beckham welcomed their first child, Brooklyn, on March 4, 1999, when Victoria was just weeks away from turning 25, as reported by Parade. Balancing a whirlwind career and family, she's set the standard for celebrity moms everywhere. Her dedication to family remains as iconic as her influence on style.
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn's career soared while she was still very young, and so did her journey into motherhood. She delivered her first child, a baby boy, on the afternoon of December 8, 2009, according to Essence. She's been celebrated for her candidness about the challenges and triumphs of raising a child in the fashion industry. Jourdan is a role model for young women juggling ambition and parenthood.

Kevin O'Connell sets one standard for Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell appeared on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday and addressed the quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy by directing the conversation away from who has an edge and toward what the organization needs from whoever wins the job.
"The goal going into this offseason was to elevate the quarterback position because when we have a certain standard of play that we feel like we have multiple guys in that room that we feel are capable of reaching that standard, the Minnesota Vikings win football games," O'Connell said. "The best way to achieve that is having a daily attempt to have guys push each other and not just always need the outside noise or not always need what the narratives may be. Let's roll the ball out there, and let's try to help the Minnesota Vikings get better."
He was direct about where the competition stands while declining to show any preference.
"I'm not really familiar with a closed competition," O'Connell said. On the specific players: "Kyler has come in and done a great job. J.J., I think, has benefited from it; he's had a really good spring. Carson Wentz is this veteran quarterback in the room."

If, in the end, things go sideways at quarterback, then the Vikings will need to hit reset going into 2027. Quite possibly, that will involve moving on from Kevin O’Connell, but that’s a bit of speculation for a different day.
Who would the passer be to compete for the job if things fizzle?
Right now, Kyler Murray is looking to overcome J.J. McCarthy for the QB1 job. Next up is Carson Wentz, an elder statesman who is in town as an ideal QB3. Wentz can get inserted with essentially zero preparation before doing a nice job; Minnesota values that reality. Otherwise, Max Brosmer is the young fella being developed slowly, but his likeliest spot is on the practice squad.
A future where none of these passers are around beyond the current year is unlikely but not impossible.
In March of 2025, Minnesota said goodbye to Sam Darnold; Seattle then said **** o to Sam Darnold. The rest is history (as they say).

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a break until the start of training camp but the front office is still keeping busy, working on the roster. On Monday, the team Steelers cut linebacker Daylan Carnell and punter Aidan Laron and with the roster **** e, signed wide receiver Levi Wentz.
Wentz spent 2025 at the University of Kansas. He hauled in 16 catches for 258 receiving yards and two receiving scores. His highlights show a player with more skill than his stat line indicated and it was more a product of a bad KU offense that failed to get him more involved in the passing game.
This signing might seem like a non-factor but Wentz is a guy who provides a legitimate run-after-the-catch threat at receiver who plays with excellent acceleration. With questions surrounding the bottom of the Steelers wide receiver depth chart, Wentz might have a legitimate shot to compete at training camp.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers cut LB Daylan Carnell, P Aidan Laros; sign WR Levi Wentz

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing wide receiver Levi Wentz, the team announced.
Wentz spent the 2025 college football season with the Kansas Jayhawks, catching 16 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. He began his college career at Old Dominion.
Wentz is a Pittsburgh native, having graduated from Pine-Richland.
In coordination with Wentz’ signing, the Steelers released linebacker Daylan Carnell.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

The Seattle Seahawks begin their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and they’ve made a roster move prior to their first practice.
Seattle announced on Monday that offensive tackle Bobby Hart has joined the team. Hart was most recently with the Los Angeles Chargers, starting eight games on an injury-riddled line that was without starter Rashawn Slater for the entire season and Joe Alt for most of the year.
The Seahawks waived undrafted rookie receiver Levi Wentz to make room for Hart on the 90-man roster, which means four of their initial seven-man UDFA class is still with the team.
Hart began his career with the New York Giants but is best known as a three-year starter with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2018 to 2020. Subsequent seasons saw limited playing time and no snaps at all in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. To put it very mildly, Hart’s performances generally explained why he wasn’t considered a viable starter after his Bengals career ended.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson indicated that reserve tackle, Josh Jones, hasn’t been practicing at OTAs (at least the ones media could attend), so this might be the reason for the signing.