Vikings waive QB Max Brosmer; J.J. McCarthy’s injury status remains uncertain

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings waived quarterback Max Brosmer on Monday as part of a larger move to make room for two additions on the offensive line. Brosmer had been on the team’s initial 53-man roster alongside three other quarterbacks, a decision that signaled that the Vikings weren’t done maneuvering.

Minnesota added former Cowboys guard Trevor Keegan and former Panthers center Nick Samac via the waiver wire. To make room for them, Brosmer became one of the odd men out. The Vikings also waived undrafted receiver Dillon Bell, who had impressed throughout the spring and during training camp.

Brosmer started two games for the Vikings last season. After former starter J.J. McCarthy and then-backup Carson Wentz suffered injuries, Minnesota turned to the undrafted rookie from the University of Minnesota earlier than the team had planned. Brosmer began his career with four interceptions against the Seattle Seahawks but contributed to a win at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants three weeks later.

As of Monday evening, the Vikings still had three quarterbacks on the roster: starter Kyler Murray, Wentz and McCarthy. Coach Kevin O’Connell has not yet clarified the depth chart, though several team sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal team matters, said they expect Wentz to become the backup. This leaves McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024, in a murky situation, especially considering his most recent injury.

The 23-year-old missed Friday’s final preseason game against the Broncos with an ankle injury. At the time, team sources said McCarthy did not feel comfortable playing in the game, but that the injury was “minor.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday that he thinks McCarthy’s ankle “is a multi-week injury.”

To this point, the Vikings have not placed McCarthy on injured reserve, a move that could have allowed the team to keep another young talent — like Brosmer — on the roster.