The Minnesota Vikings have added a new quarterback in the wake of J.J. McCarthy’s injury.
The Vikings signed Desmond Ridder to their 53-man roster on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.
Carson Wentz is in line to start for the Vikings in their game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday after McCarthy suffered a sprained ankle in a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. McCarthy is expected to miss multiple games.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer was the only other quarterback on Minnesota’s roster, which is why they have signed Ridder. The former University of Cincinnati star also spent time with the Bengals in training camp before being cut, so it is possible he will be able to provide some insight into the Vikings’ upcoming opponent.
The Vikings are Ridder’s fifth team (including the offseason) since the Atlanta Falcons drafted him in the third round in 2022. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders midway through last season as a backup after he was cut by the Arizona Cardinals before Week 1.
Ridder started 13 games for the Falcons in 2023. He completed 64.2% of his passes that year for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 193 yards and 5 touchdowns.
In 18 total career starts, Ridder is 8-10 and has thrown 16 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions.
