ESPN’s Kevin Seifert believes if Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) can’t stay healthy, QB Max Brosmer “will merit the next look” as the team’s starter.

McCarthy, almost two months after sustaining an ankle injury, is reportedly set to start in Week 9 against the Lions. This comes after the team essentially sacrificed Carson Wentz to the Chargers in Week 8 as the veteran dealt with a severe arm injury and appeared to be in agony from start to finish. “A person with knowledge of the Vikings’ thinking half-joked that O’Connell left Wentz in last Thursday’s game because Brosmer — who had a strong training camp and preseason — might prove a better short-term option than McCarthy.” If McCarthy’s struggles continue in the coming weeks, the Vikings could see what they have in Brosmer, a rookie who last year at the University of Minnesota threw for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Brosmer should be rostered in deeper superflex formats in case McCarthy once again flames out as the Vikings’ starter.