The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation is in a precarious spot heading into Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It remains unclear if Carson Wentz will draw another start or if J.J. McCarthy can return, but both players’ statuses remain uncertain.
McCarthy has been sidelined since Week 2 with an ankle injury.
Wentz picked up a shoulder issue in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns, and that is what has his status uncertain as the Vikings take the practice field for the first time on Wednesday.
Carson Wentz Uncertain for Vikings-Eagles
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after facing the Cincinnati Bengals.
Wentz has thrown for 759 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 69% completion this season, leading the Vikings to a 2-1 record in the process.
He has also taken 12 sacks and several more hits.
“Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (shoulder) plans to practice as early as Wednesday despite what’s considered a pretty painful injury,” Fowler wrote on October 15. “He’s day-to-day. Wentz is enjoying a golden opportunity with the Vikings’ offense while J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is out. He wants to be available in the event that the Vikings need him again this week against his old team, the Eagles.”
Wentz signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Vikings before the season. The Vikings brought him in to add experience to their QB room behind McCarthy. However, McCarthy’s injury opened the door for Wentz to start.
The Vikings’ only other quarterback is rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer.
That makes it much more imperative for the Vikings to gain clarity on Wentz and McCarthy’s respective statuses as soon as possible.
Kevin O’Connell Gets Honest About Carson Wentz
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before facing the Cincinnati Bengals.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell put off naming a starter for the Eagles game, noting McCarthy was on his own return plan independent of Wentz.
However, O’Connell also noted that Wentz was indeed dealing with a painful injury.
“He’s gotten to a good place where he can participate as well and take part in the preparation. And the biggest thing for him is it’s a non-throwing shoulder. So, it’s a matter of working through that soreness as it comes to him,” O’Connell told reporters on October 13.
“Carson’s done a really good job of, without a bunch of time on task in the offense, understanding that completion mindset. And I think, even some of the times where he’s maybe tried to hold on to the ball or create a play, that’s led to maybe taking some more hits than he needs to.”
If he can suit up, Week 7 presents a tremendous opportunity for Wentz against the team that drafted him into the NFL.
Carson Wentz Can Exact Some Measure of Revenge
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Eagles selected Wentz, who grew up a Vikings fan, No. 2 overall in the 2016 draft. He was having an MVP-caliber season in 2017, but had his campaign interrupted by a knee injury. That led to Nick Foles taking over and leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl.
Wentz remained with the Eagles as their starter for three more seasons after that, but he has spoken candidly about the situation.
Wentz has said he would switch places with Foles, particularly for the Super Bowl.
Week 7 also presents a chance at redemption for Wentz after his first encounter with his former team.
“If Carson Wentz starts Sunday it will be his second matchup against his former Eagles squad after facing them with Washington in 2022,” “Before I Die Podcast” host Jason Harmon posted on X on October 14. “Wentz went 25/43, 211 yards, no TDs, no INTs, and was sacked 9 times with one lost fumble as they lost to Philly 24-8.
“I’m sure he would VERY much like to redeem himself Sunday.”
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