Carson Wentz Continues as Starter for the Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz will start for the fourth consecutive time this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Friday. This decision implies another game without the original starter, J.J. McCarthy, who returned to training this week while recovering from a right ankle sprain he suffered on September 14. However, McCarthy stated on Wednesday that the ankle was not 100%, indicating that multiple second opinions indicated a recovery time of up to six weeks. McCarthy was limited in every practice this week, and O’Connell has stated that he doesn’t want to line him up in a game until the ankle is not an issue. McCarthy will be the third emergency quarterback for Sunday’s game, with rookie Max Brosmer again backing up Wentz. Although it’s uncommon to need a third quarterback during a game, O’Connell stated: “I feel comfortable enough in what would be considered that emergency capacity” to have McCarthy in uniform.Wentz has played for six teams in the last six seasons, but was drafted by the Eagles in 2016 and remained with the organization for five seasons. He has faced them once, losing 24-8 when playing with the Washington Commanders in 2022, and said earlier this week that he left Philadelphia too long ago to feel anything sentimental about Sunday’s game. Wentz signed with the Vikings on August 24 to replace Sam Howell, whom the Vikings had considered as McCarthy’s backup before trading him to the Eagles at the end of training camp. Wentz has led the Vikings to a 2-1 record in three starts following McCarthy’s injury, completing 69% of his passes for 759 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions. His QBR (40.5) ranks number 28 in the NFL. He suffered a left shoulder injury on October 5 against the Cleveland Browns, but only missed one play and returned to play with a harness. He continued to use the harness in training this week, but participated fully each day.“He had a lot of repetitions this week, both with the first group,” O’Connell said, “as well as getting good repetitions with the [scouting] team feeling the pressure… and really working on some things that are really starting to pay off. So, I’m proud of the way he approached the week, and I know he knows he’s not quite there yet. He’s progressing in a very good way.”
Kevin O’Connell
