The Kansas City Chiefs and Carson Wentz are facing an unexpected challenge heading into Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season.
Following an ankle injury that knocked Patrick Mahomes out of Sunday’s win against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Andy Reid may be forced to rely on backup quarterback Carson Wentz when the Chiefs face off against the Houston Texans this Saturday. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ health, Reid expressed confidence in Wentz’s ability to step in and lead the team if needed.
In his Wednesday press conference, Reid was quick to ease concerns about the potential quarterback change. “We’ll see how Pat does out there,” Reid said. “He’s going to go through some stuff, and we’ll see how it works out for him. And if he can’t work, then Carson will take those reps that Pat doesn’t. We have full confidence in Carson. If he has to step in and play, then I think everybody, coaches and players, have full confidence that he can go in and do a nice job.” Reid’s support for Wentz was evident, as he acknowledged the veteran quarterback’s readiness to perform at a high level.
Wentz’s Role and Confidence in His Ability
Carson Wentz, who will celebrate his 32nd birthday in less than two weeks, joined the Chiefs this offseason as Mahomes’ backup quarterback. While he’s seen limited action this season, Wentz has had a chance to familiarize himself with the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. He took the field for the first time in Kansas City last week, completing two passes for 20 yards in relief of Mahomes during the final minutes of the game.
Reid has consistently praised Wentz’s skill set and leadership. Even though Wentz is now serving in a backup role, Reid believes the veteran still has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. “He’s started in the league and has been successful. He has a great feel for this offense. Very smart. Big arm. I like the way he carries himself. I like everything about him. He should be starting in this league somewhere,” Reid commented.
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Wentz’s Career Rollercoaster
Wentz’s career path has been a whirlwind of highs and lows. After being drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft, Wentz looked poised for a bright future. He played at an MVP-caliber level in 2017 before suffering a torn ACL during the latter part of the season. Although the Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LII without him, the injury proved to be a pivotal moment in his career.
The following years saw a decline in Wentz’s performance. After being benched in 2020, Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, where his struggles continued. The Colts eventually moved on from him, and Wentz signed with the Washington Commanders in 2022. However, after just one season in Washington, the Commanders released him, and he was later brought in to back up Matthew Stafford on the Los Angeles Rams.
Wentz’s Path to Kansas City and the Backup Role
Recognizing that his days as a starting quarterback were limited, Wentz accepted a backup role with the Rams before ultimately joining the Chiefs in 2024. His decision to embrace this role demonstrated his willingness to continue his NFL career despite the setbacks he’d faced in recent years. Though Wentz has primarily watched from the sidelines, his chance to step up may have finally arrived with Mahomes’ injury.
Reid’s belief in Wentz’s abilities speaks volumes about his potential to step in if called upon. Wentz has a wealth of experience, having started 93 games over his NFL career, and his arm strength remains one of his most potent assets. His intelligence and familiarity with the Chiefs’ offense make him an ideal emergency quarterback, should the need arise.
Mahomes Echoes Reid’s Confidence in Wentz
As a two-time MVP and the face of the Chiefs franchise, Patrick Mahomes knows what it takes to be a successful quarterback in this league. Despite his injury, Mahomes expressed confidence in Wentz’s ability to lead the offense if necessary. “I’ve seen him practice every single day… you realize he was going to win MVP one year and understand why,” Mahomes said. “He’s a very talented player who works extremely hard. He’ll be ready if his number is called.”
This endorsement from Mahomes adds further weight to Reid’s optimism about Wentz’s potential. With the Chiefs still in the hunt for a top playoff spot, the team can ill afford any drop-off in performance at the quarterback position. Fortunately, both Mahomes and Reid believe Wentz is more than capable of stepping up.
Wentz’s Opportunity to Prove Himself Again
Should Mahomes be unavailable for Saturday’s game against the Texans, Wentz will get his chance to prove that he still has the skills that once made him one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks. While Wentz’s career trajectory has been filled with bumps along the way, his experience and raw talent could make him a more than capable substitute for Mahomes in this crucial moment.
Kansas City’s offense is built around Mahomes’ dynamic playmaking ability, but Wentz’s familiarity with a fast-paced attack could help him adapt quickly. Additionally, the Chiefs’ roster is stacked with playmakers like Travis Kelce, who could ease Wentz’s transition into the starting role.
Reid’s Trust in Wentz Should Inspire Confidence
For Chiefs fans, the uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ injury may be worrying. However, Reid’s trust in Wentz should offer a sense of calm. The veteran quarterback is no stranger to pressure, and despite the challenges he’s faced throughout his career, he’s still more than capable of performing at a high level.
If Wentz is called upon in Mahomes’ absence, he’ll have an opportunity to showcase his talents and remind the NFL world why he was once a highly touted prospect. This could be the moment that revitalizes his career and adds another chapter to his legacy.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
As the Chiefs move forward in the 2024 season, much will depend on Mahomes’ health. If he’s unable to go against the Texans, Reid and the Chiefs will look to Wentz to help keep their playoff hopes alive. With Reid’s confidence and Mahomes’ endorsement, Wentz has the support he needs to step into the role of starting quarterback, if necessary.
Regardless of whether he’s called upon this weekend or later in the season, Carson Wentz’s journey is far from over. His path from MVP contender to backup quarterback has been tumultuous, but with the backing of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, Wentz has a unique opportunity to prove that he’s still a capable leader in the NFL.