Carson Wentz played through a significant injury in his non-throwing shoulder during much of his time filling in for J.J. McCarthy. The veteran will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the damage, but Minnesota’s starter is now in position to return to action. 
McCarthy will spend the coming days preparing for Week 9 with the starters, head coach Kevin O’Connell said (via Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune). An ankle sprain has kept the 2024 first-rounder out of the lineup since he was injured in Week 2. McCarthy was on track to resume QB1 duties when healthy in any case, but especially with Wentz now sidelined his return will be welcomed by the team.
While recovering from meniscus surgery, McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign. Expectations were nevertheless high for the former college national champion entering the season, one which largely did not go to plan prior to the injury. McCarthy’s ability to deliver consistent play under center presuming he can remain healthy the rest of the way will be critical for a Vikings team which finds itself last in the NFC North.
The 22-year-old was a full participant in today’s practice, a positive sign he will be able to play in Week 9 as hoped. Minnesota (3-4) ranks 18th in the NFL in scoring and the team’s defense has regressed compared to last season. A boost in terms of quarterback play would be critical to the Vikings’ playoff chances but McCarthy is far from a known commodity at this point in his career. Another inexperienced signal-caller (undrafted rookie Max Brosmer) will serve as the team’s backup the rest of the way.
As for the third-string role, a deal has been lined up in time for Week 9. John Wolford is being signed to the practice squad, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The 30-year-old has made seven regular season appearances in the NFL, each of which came during a three-year span as a member of the Rams. Wolford and O’Connell overlapped with each other in Los Angeles, and a midseason reunion has now been worked out in Minnesota. This pact will provide the Vikings with a veteran presence on the depth chart in the event McCarthy or Brosmer miss time.
A clickbait article headlined “Vikings Sign Championship Winning QB Ahead of Week 9 Lions Matchup.” While technically true, Wolford hasn’t taken an NFL regular season snap since 2022. In 2022 he filled in for an injured Safford for three games.
In 2021 the year of the Rams SB, he had 24 snaps with 4 pass attempts, only one of which was completed for 5 yards.
I have no ill will against Wolford, I hope he does well if/when he plays against an opponent not based in Detroit. Clickbait headlines like I shared above can insinuate a lot of pressure on a QB.
Anyone know the Vegas line on JJ getting hurt again in this coming game? I’m thinking the odds are pretty good for a yes. He’s as soft as Charmin…maybe they should start calling him Mr. Whipple.