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…

If you include Jordan Addison’s suspension and Harrison Smith’s mysterious illness, the ever-growing list of MN Vikings ailments/absences now includes TWO running backs, TWO left tackles, THREE linebackers, TWO defensive backs and the Vikings’ only fullback, among many others.

Related: Confusing JJ McCarthy Return Timeline Muddied Even More by Vikings’ Flight Plans

That’s why, on Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings had a very busy day of free agent workouts at TCO Performance Center. Earlier in the day, local insider Darren Wolfson (KSTP) mentioned on his bi-weekly appearance with SKOR North that there was a rather long list of players working out in Eagan, but wouldn’t name names.

There have been a couple of signings already, however. The first came via a VERY familiar face, in running back Cam Akers, who will serve both on special teams and in the backfield, and could factor heavily into the game plan as soon as this weekend.

Minnesota Vikings sign new QB – Desmond Ridder

But amidst all the injury chaos, it was Monday’s surprise announcement that JJ McCarthy suffered a high-ankle sprain on Sunday Night Football that really got the internet chattering.

Now, newly acquired Carson Wentz will take over under center, while the Vikings await the return of their struggling young franchise QB. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s only backup QB was undrafted free agent out of… Minnesota… Max Brosmer. So on Tuesday, they signed another quarterback, 26-year-old Desmond Ridder.

The #Vikings are signing QB Desmond Ridder to the 53-man roster, with JJ McCarthy suffering an ankle injury, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/nCsmmbSNg3

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2025

Ridder comes in with 25 NFL games (18 starts) under his belt, but the results on the field reveal why the former Cincinnati Bearcat was still available, into the start of the 2025 season.

Since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Desmond Ridder has taken stamps for two different teams (Falcons, Raider) over three seasons, accumulating 4,002 passing yards (63.6% CMP), 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Ridder signing about more than additional QB depth?

Interestingly enough, Ridder’s most recent employer was the MN Vikings’ next opponent. The young QB spent all of training camp and the 2025 preseason with the Cincinnati Bengals. But I’m sure that has nothing to do with this… (wink).

Desmond Ridder letting it fly 🎯

Stream CINvsPHI on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/IeybfAF2PF

— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Schedule Allows for Hope

While Max Brosmer has impressed everyone in the Vikings organization, since his arrival, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell clearly were not comfortable anointing him as their backup, this early in his NFL career.

Whether or not an NFL failure like Ridder can prove himself more worthy of backup reps during practice than the former Gopher has yet to be seen, however.