Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz found himself on the field longer than anticipated during the team’s preseason opener Saturday night. The veteran signal-caller handled two series in the second half before the coaching staff decided it was time to give the next man up a look.

That next man was Max Brosmer, the club’s fourth-string quarterback.

Brosmer’s opportunity proved short-lived. He managed just three plays late in the third quarter before an injury forced him to the sideline. On those limited snaps, Brosmer completed one of two passes for six yards.

The right thumb injury then ended his night.

With Brosmer unavailable, Wentz returned to the huddle and directed the offense through the entire fourth quarter. The Vikings held on for a 13-10 victory.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the situation afterward, explaining the careful approach the staff took once the injury occurred.

“We wanted to be smart with that [injury to Brosmer],” O’Connell said. “We’ll obviously image that. Don’t have anything on that yet, but as much as he wanted to go back in the game, we just wanted to be sure that he didn’t have anything in there, and Carson was able to come back in there.”

The decision to pull Brosmer reflected standard preseason caution. Teams routinely prioritize long-term health over additional practice reps when an injury first appears.

Wentz’s extended playing time offered the coaching staff another chance to evaluate the backup under game conditions. Preseason contests often serve that purpose, allowing veterans and young players alike to demonstrate readiness.

Brosmer’s brief appearance still provided useful film for the staff to review. Even three plays can reveal footwork, decision-making and arm strength when the lights are on.

The Vikings will now await the results of imaging on the thumb before determining the next steps for their depth chart. Until those results arrive, the team remains in a holding pattern regarding the fourth-stringer’s availability.

O’Connell’s comments underscored the desire to protect the young quarterback while still finishing the game with experienced leadership under center. Wentz’s ability to step back in without missing a beat kept the offense functional in the closing stages.

Saturday’s outcome left the Vikings with a win and a few questions about the quarterback room. The thumb injury adds another variable as the preseason continues and roster decisions draw closer.

Further updates on Brosmer’s status are expected once the medical staff completes its evaluation.

For now, the focus remains on the remaining exhibition games and the ongoing competition throughout the depth chart.