The Minnesota Vikings did not manage to stage a successful comeback on Sunday, when the team lost 28-22 to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite throwing two very bad interceptions on consecutive drives early on in the second quarter – one of which was taken in for an Eagles defensive touchdown – quarterback Carson Wentz managed to keep the Vikings in the game until fairly late with a 26/42, 313-yard game through the air.
And it seems like Wentz will be given yet another starting opportunity in week 8, as Adam Schefter reported on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he expects Minnesota to stick with the former #2 overall pick ahead of the short week, prior to Thursday night’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers.
Vikings Expected To Play It Safe On Thursday Night
“The Vikings play a short week, they play the Chargers Thursday night, and I would expect that we get Carson Wentz on Thursday night.” Schefter said on Monday.
However the NFL insider did say that the Vikings were optimistic that they could have JJ McCarthy ready to come back to the field by week 9.
“There’s a chance that JJ McCarthy will be ready for the week after, at Detroit.” Rapoport continued. “If Carson Wentz comes back and plays well [and] they win the game Thursday night, maybe that buys JJ another week. If not, then I think JJ could be back as soon as that week at Detroit.”
These sentiments were also echoed by Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz, who stated that “no one should be surprised” at Schefter’s report, given that the team are focused on ensuring that McCarthy has a clean bill of health – something that becomes easier to focus on considering Wentz’s overall impressive stint covering for McCarthy.
“Don’t think anyone should be surprised to see Wentz again on Thursday night. They want McCarthy’s ankle at 100 percent and to give him a full week of prep.” Ragatz posted on X on Monday.
“And no, they’re not gonna play [Max] Brosmer, nor should they. Wentz made some very bad mistakes yesterday, but he also moved the ball between the 20s all day. He’ll give them a chance to win in LA.”
What Is The Vikings’ Broader Outlook At Quarterback In 2025?
It is no secret that when McCarthy – the team’s 10th overall pick back in 2024 – is fully healthy and ready to go, he will be given the opportunity to once again be the starter.
McCarthy underwhelmed over the course of his first two starts as a pro, going 1-1 but managing just a 58.5 completion percentage for 301 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions – all for a 67.2 quarterback rating.
That is not necessarily emblematic of the entirety of his ability or future outlook; players take time to adjust to the NFL – with some players taking the best part of half a decade and multiple different coaches to hit their top stride, see Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones.
But, in a year when the roster is built to win, if McCarthy comes back and his performances lag far behind those of Wentz’s questions will start to be asked.
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