MN Vikings Sign Semi-Familiar Quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings are rolling into Sunday’s game out west against the Seattle Seahawks with yet another new quarterback room. At least, that’s the expectation, after starter JJ McCarthy suffered a concussion last weekend against the Green Bay Packers.

Short of some medical miracle, it’ll be former Gopher Max Brosmer who starts under center for the week 13 version of the MN Vikings in 2025, with recently signed journeyman depth QB John Wolford backing him up.

Minnesota Vikings sign Desmond Ridder back to practice squad

But on Thanksgiving morning, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah officially signed another quarterback — 26-year-old Desmond Ridder — to stash on the practice squad, in case of emergency.

The #Vikings have signed QB Desmond Ridder to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/QDXpe2GFej

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 27, 2025

Related: Can Max Brosmer Breathe Life Into the MN Vikings Offense?

This isn’t the first time Desmond Ridder has been a Minnesota Viking. He signed earlier this season (September 16), when McCarthy went down with a week 2 ankle injury against the Falcons. Now, with McCarthy likely out again, the Vikings are bringing Ridder back in for round two.

Ridder is still extremely young, which explains Kevin O’Connell’s slight fascination with the former third round pick. And for a kid who JUST turned 26, he has a ton of NFL experience, starting 18 games over three seasons for Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders.

I still think about how much the negative narrative on Desmond Ridder would’ve changed had Drake London not fumbled late in the 4th vs the Saints. Ridder did his job, and brought the Falcons all the way back. He made the clutch late throw, already in fg range with 3 TO remaining. pic.twitter.com/faW3iMPYwQ

— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) July 23, 2023

Related: Week 13 Brings More Vikings Offensive Line Injuries

The results have been up and down, totaling 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He last logged an official game on roster back in week 18 of 2024, with the Raiders.

The all-time great Cincinnati Bearcat last started a game that same season for Vegas, when he went 23 of 39 for 208 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions in week 15 vs the Falcons. Only time will tell whether or not he factors into the Minnesota Vikings’ plans in 2025…