Life as a backup in the NFL: Carson Wentz reveals untold stories of his tough journey

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz is getting ready for his first NFL start of the year in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos, with Andy Reid’s team in the favorable position of being able to rest key starters.

But with Wentz not seeing many snaps with real NFL bullets flying, it can be challenging to step straight into the starting role after 16 weeks of sitting on the bench.

However, that is the life of a backup quarterback, and for Wentz, after being the starter in Philadelphia for five years, where his injury in 2017 clearly impacted his career trajectory, and he has struggled for consistency since. He’s bounced around from the Eagles to the Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, and now the Chiefs.

Going from a starter to a career backup is a tough transition, and it’s one that Wentz has had to come to grips with in Kansas City.

“It’s been different, but I’ve stayed locked in, stayed ready, prepared every week, really kind of had the same routine since I’ve been in the NFL,” Wentz said. “Taking some things from Pat [Mahomes] and working with him, but at the same time, every week I’m staying locked in, ready to go, just obviously not getting the reps. But going against our defense with our scout offense definitely does help me stay sharp because our defense is no slouch.

“We’ve stayed locked in and stayed sharp, and it should be a fun one.”

So Wentz will get his first start of the season against a Broncos team fighting for their playoff lives. But it presents Carson with a chance to show the NFL world that he deserves another shot at a starting role.

His last proper starting job was with the Colts, where he led them to a 9-8 record while throwing 27 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. He was also the starter in Washington in 2022, but only for seven games, as Taylor Heinicke replaced him.

But now he gets another shot, and it’s one he’s hellbent on taking advantage of.