The Minnesota Vikings are seemingly set to start pre-season backup, Carson Wentz, at quarterback for the team’s Thursday night clash at the Los Angeles Chargers, coming off a short week.
Wentz had a tough time against the Philadelphia Eagles in week 7, throwing interceptions on back-to-back drives in the first half half – although he managed to partially recover in throwing for over 300 yards, despite the team ultimately losing 28-22.
The good news for Wentz, and indeed the entire Vikings offense, is that the franchise could have two key players return after substantial layoffs.
Left tackle, Christian Darrisaw and running back, Aaron Jones Sr., have both been listed, as questionable, per Ian Rapoport.
In other news, for the Chargers, running back Hassan Haskins will not participate, and left tackle Joe Alt is questionable – although he has noted he hopes to play.
“For TNF: â Chargers RB Hassan Haskins is out. Among the questionable players is OT Joe Alt, who said he plans to play. â Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is questionable, as is LT Christian Darrisaw (knee).” Rapoport posted on Wednesday.Â
Aaron Jones Sr. has been out since week 3, after suffering a hamstring injury in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons in week 2.
Vikings Hoping To Get Starters Back For Week 8
Jones was designated to return off of the injured reserve list on Tuesday by the Vikings, and the team hopes that he will be be able to return on Thursday to re-form a running back tandem with former San Francisco 49ers back, Jordan Mason.
Darrisaw, on the other hand, has managed to play in each of the past four games since week 3 – the inverse of Jones – after remaining on the sidelines in weeks 1 and 2 as part of the final recovery from his ACL tear suffered in week 8 of the 2024.
However, the former first round offensive lineman has been dealing with a knee injury over the past few days – and did not practice on Wednesday – with it not being clear as to whether it is on the same injured knee that kept him out for the best part of a year.
What Is The Vikings Quarterback Situation Ahead Of Week 8?
The team is still hesitant to bring back quarterback, JJ McCarthy – although they apparently felt good enough about his injury status to designate him as the third choice “emergency” quarterback in week 7.
The official line is that the team wants him to get to full health before starting him again. But pro football doctor, David Chao, believes that this is more of a “coaching” decision, rather than an injury one.
“Proof positive that #JJMcCarthy is healthy enough to play.” Chao wrote on X on Wednesday morning, in response to the former #10 overall pick once again serving as the emergency QB3 on Thursday night. “Not saying he is 100% but no way HC Vikings would make him emergency QB for 2nd straight week otherwise. All I am saying is Chiefs QB won a Super Bowl playing thru high ankle sprain and right now JJ is not Patrick Mahomes which makes this a “coaching decision”.
It is not clear what exactly is going on, but once McCarthy gets to an undeniably full bill of health, we will see exactly what direction head coach, Kevin O’Connell wants to take the offense in.
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