Matthew Stafford’s back issue has shifted from concerning to alarming as he sits out camp with an aggravated disc. The 37-year-old has not practiced, and Week 1’s status remains officially uncertain. Los Angeles is weighing a quarterback addition to shield the offense, with Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett in the pipeline behind him. The three most plausible add-ons are Brett Rypien, Trevor Siemian, and Case Keenum, each bringing a different blend of experience and familiarity with the Rams’ system.

Brett Rypien, who already knows Sean McVay’s scheme, could serve as a steady emergency veteran who isn’t a liability to injury. Trevor Siemian offers long-running starter pedigree and the comfort of Brian Callahan’s offense, while Case Keenum remains a credible veteran backup with 33 NFL starts since 2015. The Rams would likely pounce if Keenum becomes available, given his track record and NFC familiarity. The looming question: can one of these veterans stabilize LA’s quarterback room enough to keep the offense humming while Stafford heals?

Max Brosmer has emerged as the Vikings’ most active quarterback in August, logging the most preseason snaps of any Minnesota QB and keeping the door open on a 53-man roster spot or a practice squad bid. Through two preseason games, he’s shown poise, accuracy on the move, and the ability to lead a two-minute sequence, albeit with growing pains. The club is weighing whether to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster or roll with a more conventional QB group, making Brosmer a high-stakes development project for fantasy managers watching late-roster moves.

His two exhibition performances—47 yards and a TD on 5-of-8 in the fourth quarter vs. Houston, then 156 yards on 15-of-27 with an interception across two quarters vs. New England—underscore a roller-coaster arc: highlight throws, plus reads under pressure and a few missteps. O’Connell has praised his intelligence and work ethic, while Brosmer remains diligent, focused on what he can control and embracing every rep as a chance to prove he belongs at NFL speed.

In Minnesota’s first glimpse of 2025, the Vikings flashed a balanced, competitive preseason win over Houston, 20-10, with several players making a strong case for roster spots. Gabriel Murphy paced the edge with 1.5 sacks on 30 snaps and a top PFF grade, signaling he could push for an early-edge role behind Dallas Turner. Zavier Scott supplied a sturdy run-game spark, seven carries for 50 yards, including a setup that capped a 94-yard drive, entering the RB3 conversation behind the Mose Mason duo. Max Brosmer, calm and accurate in limited action, completed 5 of 8 for 47 yards and delivered a TD pass, underscoring his late-round potential and QB3 upside.

On the downside, Ty Chandler struggled for five yards on five attempts, threatening his roster security if Scott keeps producing. Brett Rypien was inefficient (1-of-4, six yards) and sacked twice, reinforcing Brosmer’s case as a legitimate QB3 consideration. Silas Bolden, debuting as UDFA, showed a glimpse with an 8-yard punt return and a 3-yard catch but dropped a crucial pass, keeping his odds for a late-season role alive but fragile. Early-injury context lingered as Rondale Moore’s exit could shift the late-depth chart, increasing opportunities for Bolden and others to seize the moment.

Minnesota opened the 2025 slate with a crisp preseason win over Houston, led by J.J. McCarthy’s return in a single early drive that set the rhythm for the night. Will Reichard silenced camp concerns with a perfect two-for-two on field goals (long 48) and clean extra points, giving the Vikings a confident kicking baseline. The backup QB trio generated momentum, with Max Brosmer and Sam Howell orchestrating multiple TD drives and extending plays on the move, while Brett Rypien struggled to connect. Bryson Nesbit’s helmet moment provided a lighter subplot as Minnesota’s defense, under Brian Flores, pressured the Texans relentlessly—two sacks, 11 QB hits, a forced fumble, and three picks, while Texans were held under 200 yards. Special teams shined again, a note Vikings needed after last season, hinting at depth-chart intrigue as McCarthy, Howell, and Brosmer push for meaningful reps. This blend of efficient kicking, QB depth, and a swarming defense sets up intriguing fantasy angles heading into the next preseason and the regular season.

The Minnesota Vikings are placing their hopes on J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, to lead the team into a deep playoff run by 2025. With his promising potential, the team is focused on ensuring they have a solid quarterback room. However, the confidence in the backup quarterbacks is less certain. Current QB2 Sam Howell, alongside Brett Rypien and undrafted free agent players, must prove their worth as reliable backups to support McCarthy's journey.

Howell's performance will be crucial, especially as he adapts to the demands of the NFL. Rypien adds experience, but the team is likely scrutinizing these players closely to determine their ability to step up in case of injury or underperformance from the starter. The Vikings' quarterback situation is under the spotlight as they strategize for future success.