Carson Wentz

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy To Start When Healthy; Week 9 Return Being Targeted

October 24th, 2025 at 8:57am CST by Adam La Rose

Carson Wentz handled quarterback duties once again during the Vikings’ lopsided loss on Thursday. By the time Minnesota plays again, though, J.J. McCarthy may be back in the fold.

McCarthy has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. The 2024 first-rounder has dressed as the Vikings’ emergency No. 3 quarterback in each of the past two games, a further sign he is nearing a return to full health. That could be the case in time for Week 9. When McCarthy is back at full strength, he will return to QB1 duties.

“If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play,” head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed after yesterday’s game (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “That’s been the case since the injury. That’s always been kind of my mindset, and I believe we’re right — hopefully — around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete.”

With Minnesota having played on a Thursday, the team now has an extended period to prepare for Week 9. The Vikings will take on the Lions in their next contest, and having McCarthy available would of course be a welcomed development for the team’s offense in the short term and his ability to continue developing over the remainder of the season. McCarthy, 22, missed his entire rookie campaign while recovering from meniscus surgery before his current stretch of absences due to a high ankle sprain.

Aside from his fourth-quarter performance against the Bears in Week 1, McCarthy has not met expectations when on the field so far. Improving on his early showings once healthy will be critical for the Michigan product’s long-term development and Minnesota’s playoff chances. The Vikings sit at 3-4 on the year at a time when each of the NFC North’s other teams sport a winning record.

Last night’s game was the latest example of the “significant left shoulder injury” Wentz has been playing through for most his five-game run as the team’s starter. The 32-year-old said (via Seifert) Thursday’s performance included “quite possibly” the most pain he has played through in an NFL contest. Wentz will have time to heal provided McCarthy starts in Week 9, however, something which looks to be the team’s plan at this point.

Carson Wentz To Start Week 8; J.J. McCarthy Progressing

October 21st, 2025 at 2:44pm CST by Connor Byrne

With Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy continuing to deal with a high ankle sprain, Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start in Week 8. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that Wentz will be under center on Thursday against the Chargers (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).

McCarthy, who last played in a Week 2 loss to the Falcons, has made encouraging progress in his recovery. However, after McCarthy went through an on-field workout on Tuesday, O’Connell said “he’s just not there” (via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network). He’ll serve as the team’s emergency No. 3 option this week behind Wentz and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

This could end up as Wentz’s last chance to retain the starting job, as O’Connell noted that McCarthy may have been ready to go on a normal week (via Pelissero). With a quick turnaround from last Sunday’s loss to the Eagles, the Vikings are left to rely on a bounce-back effort from Wentz on Thursday.

A late-August addition in free agency, the well-traveled Wentz has been hit and miss during his four starts. While Wentz has twice posted a passer rating upward of 102.0, he has tossed two interceptions in each of his other two starts. Overall, Wentz has completed 95 of 142 passes (66.9%) for 1,072 yards, five touchdowns, and four picks. The team has gone 2-2 with him at the helm.

McCarthy, the 10th overall pick from Michigan in 2024, missed his entire rookie year after tearing his right meniscus during preseason. While McCarthy entered this season as Minnesota’s unquestioned No. 1 signal-caller, he went just 24 for 41 (58.5%) with 301 yards, two TDs, and three INTs in his first two starts before suffering another injury.

Thanks in part to underwhelming play from their QBs, the 3-3 Vikings have already matched their loss total from a surprising 14-win campaign in 2024. Sam Darnold, brought in as a stopgap in front of McCarthy, unexpectedly enjoyed a breakout year during his lone season with the Vikings. With the Vikings committed to McCarthy, Darnold parlayed his successful 2024 into a sizable free agent deal with the Seahawks last March. The Vikings also lost backup Daniel Jones on the open market. Jones left for a chance at more playing time in Indianapolis, which has worked out swimmingly for him and the first-place Colts.

While Darnold and Jones have thrived elsewhere, it’s far too soon to pass judgment on McCarthy. It seems that McCarthy is getting closer to returning to the Vikings’ lineup, though O’Connell has been adamant that he won’t take the reins again until he’s fully healthy. In the meantime, Wentz will have another shot to make a case to remain Minnesota’s starter.

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Will Not Name QB1 Until J.J. McCarthy Is 100%

October 19th, 2025 at 9:58am CST by Rory Parks

Carson Wentz will serve as the Vikings’ starting quarterback again in Week 7, as presumptive QB1 J.J. McCarthy is still dealing with a high ankle sprain that has kept him on the sidelines since Week 3. Head coach Kevin O’Connell previously stopped short of confirming McCarthy would be back in the starting lineup when he is fully healthy, and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reiterates O’Connell will continue his wait-and-see approach (video link).

While making clear that McCarthy is not yet recovered from the ankle injury – meaning the Vikes are not overstating the ailment to allow the second-year passer to save face – Rapoport says O’Connell will not make a true Wentz-or-McCarthy decision until McCarthy is 100%. And it is certainly possible that Wentz forces O’Connell’s hand.

McCarthy has underwhelmed in seven of the eight quarters he has played in 2025. That is perhaps not surprising given that the 2024 first-rounder missed his entire rookie campaign because of a knee injury and then practiced just one time after Minnesota’s Week 1 victory this year due to the birth of his son (h/t Rapoport). Considering the Vikings’ investment in him and obvious faith in his abilities – despite his lost rookie season, the team allowed both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones to depart in free agency – they obviously want to give him every opportunity to succeed.

On the other hand, Minnesota is 3-2 and has postseason aspirations after narrowly missing out on the NFC’s No. 1 seed last year. Wentz, a 10-year veteran with 97 starts to his name, has played reasonably well in relief of his younger counterpart, guiding the club to a 2-1 record during his three games at the helm (he came up just short of a comeback victory in the one loss and posted quarterback ratings of 102.1 and 129.8 in the two wins).

Per Rapoport, McCarthy’s injury is also likely to force him out of the team’s Week 8 game with the Chargers, a Thursday night affair that will take place shortly after Sunday’s Week 7 matchup against the Eagles. Both of those will be difficult games, and if Wentz struggles, O’Connell should have no trouble reinserting McCarthy.

But if Wentz leads the Vikings to wins and runs his personal record to 4-1 this season, Rapoport thinks O’Connell will keep him atop the depth chart, irrespective of McCarthy’s health.

Vikings To Start Carson Wentz Vs. Eagles

October 17th, 2025 at 4:03pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Carson Wentz revenge game is officially happening.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that Wentz will start on Sunday against the Eagles, his former team. The Eagles traded up to draft Wentz with the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft with the hopes that he would be their long-term franchise quarterback.

It didn’t quite work out that way. Wentz struggled as a rookie before a breakout 2017 season that was cut short by an ACL tear. The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl with Nick Foles under center. Injuries remained an issue for Wentz, though the team still signed him to a four-year, $108MM extension in 2019. By the end of the next season, he was benched for Jalen Hurts, and during the offseason, he was traded to the Colts. That kicked off a series of one-year stints with the Commanders, Rams, and Chiefs before signing with the Vikings this offseason.

O’Connell has repeatedly made it clear that J.J. McCarthy will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback when he’s fully healthy, but that has not been the case for weeks. Wentz started the last two games, and though he picked up a shoulder injury last week, he will be under center once again on Sunday.

McCarthy has still been limited in practice this week as he works his way back from an ankle injury, but O’Connell said that the second-year quarterback will be active as the Vikings’ emergency third quarterback in Week 7, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. Max Brosmer will still be the team’s primary backup, but O’Connell indicated that he was comfortable with McCarthy taking the field in an emergency.

Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Returns To Practice; Carson Wentz Dealing With Shoulder Injury

October 7th, 2025 at 9:43am CST by Adam La Rose

The Vikings are currently on their bye after two straight overseas games. It remains to be seen what their quarterback situation will be for Week 7, but J.J. McCarthy is making strides toward a return.

Minnesota’s 2025 starter took part in practice Monday. That development came after McCarthy was sidelined through each of the past three weeks due to a high ankle sprain. The Vikings have not rushed the 2024 first-rounder back onto the field, relying on Wentz to handle starting duties in Week 3 as well as both of their international contests. With McCarthy participating in practice, though, he could be in line to return in time for Week 7.

“J.J. got some work today, and he’ll get some work the rest of the week,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said (via Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune). “We’ll pick it up officially next week, but I’m encouraged about where he’s at right now.”

McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign while recovering from meniscus surgery, but he was the Vikings’ unquestioned QB1 entering this season. His first action atop the depth chart did not go according to plan, aside from a strong fourth quarter in Week 1. That no doubt played a role in O’Connell declining to conclusively state McCarthy will reprise his role as starter once he is fully healed. By next week, though, Wentz may not be in position to play even if that were to be the team’s presence.

Wentz injured his left (that is, non-throwing) shoulder during Minnesota’s comeback win against the Browns on Sunday. O’Connell noted the 32-year-old was “pretty sore” upon returning from London. The coming days will be key in evaluating his status for Week 7. It will be interesting to see how the Vikings proceed at the quarterback spot if both McCarthy and Wentz are available by that point.

Minnesota sits at 3-2 on the year and a stable run of play from the quarterback spot will be key in determining if another playoff berth proves to be attainable. The team’s long-term plans will of course depend largely on McCarthy’s development, a process which could resume as early as Week 7 against the Eagles.

Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy To Miss Week 4; Latest On QB’s Path Back To Starting Job

September 22nd, 2025 at 10:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Vikings used a turnover spree to wallop the Bengals in a matchup of backup quarterbacks. Minnesota’s relief option will receive at least one more start, with Kevin O’Connell confirming Carson Wentz will be at the controls for the Vikings’ Ireland game against the Steelers.

While no ambiguity regarding J.J. McCarthy‘s Week 4 status is coming, the fourth-year Minnesota HC did not confirm McCarthy would be back at the controls when he is healthy enough to play. The Vikings want their second-year quarterback, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, to have a full runup in practice before he is reinserted.

“First and foremost, he’s got to get healthy. And then, I don’t think it’s one of those things where it’s, hey, he’s healthy the night before a game, we’re going to throw him out there and say, ‘Hey, go figure it out’ type of thing,” O’Connell said, via ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert.

“I think we saw, as phenomenal as he was getting prepared for the Atlanta game, he did miss practice that week. And when you’re in the phase of building up the 10,000 reps and 10,000 hours of what it takes to play the position at a very high level, which we know J.J. McCarthy is going to do, you can’t cut corners on that. And that also doesn’t require an answer on that question today.”

This stance will allow the Vikings to delay an answer here. The team’s definitive response will help define its season. The Vikings cleared the runway for McCarthy this offseason, passing on a Sam Darnold franchise tag and letting Daniel Jones walk in free agency. Minnesota did make an offer to the current Colts starter, but the short-lived Vikings practice squad arm viewed Indianapolis as a better opportunity to start. The Vikings then passed on Sunday foe Aaron Rodgers, who had wanted to join O’Connell and Justin Jefferson in what would have been a high-profile bridge setup. These moves gave McCarthy a clear path to the starting role he was in line to push Darnold for — before his season-ending meniscus injury — at some point in 2024.

Although McCarthy flashed during a comeback win over the Bears, he struggled during a listless Week 2 loss. McCarthy threw two interceptions and took six sacks against Atlanta. McCarthy finished with the second-lowest QBR in Week 2. Wentz benefited from the Bengals’ five turnovers Sunday but was 14 of 20 for 173 yards and two touchdown passes. This performance came after Wentz arrived in Minnesota in late August, with the team trading Sam Howell.

O’Connell pushed back on the notion of this being a McCarthy soft benching, per Seifert, but did indicate value for the young starter in watching Wentz execute. McCarthy’s time on IR last season brought significant developmental limitations, even as he could watch how Darnold operated O’Connell’s offense. Now, another hurdle has emerged. How McCarthy progresses in practice will be critical toward his return.

Wentz, 32, has been benched twice, traded twice and cut once since signing a lucrative Eagles deal in 2019. He has now started for six teams in the past six years, becoming the first quarterback to do so. While Week 18 starts in place of resting QBs (Matthew Stafford, Patrick Mahomes) helped extend that streak, those cameos do remind of the former No. 2 overall pick’s nomadic period after both the Colts and Commanders did not bring him back as a starter.

It would be quite surprising if the Vikings abandoned their McCarthy plan after two starts, but some pressure did come from finishing 14-3 last season. Wentz, though, looks likely to have two more games to make his case.

The Vikings travel from Ireland to England between Weeks 4 and 5, following up their Jets tilt with a Browns matchup in London, and have a Week 6 bye. This would give McCarthy a ramp-up period, though it is within the realm of possibility Wentz could change the organization’s thinking in two AFC North matchups. McCarthy will travel to the Ireland and England games.

Additionally, O’Connell said first-round rookie Donovan Jackson underwent wrist surgery; the Ohio State product is likely to miss the Vikings’ Steelers and Browns games before the bye, Seifert adds.

The reigning Coach of the Year said (via Seifert) the Vikes’ left guard suffered the injury in Week 2 and played through it, due to being deemed unable to further damage his wrist, Sunday. But a surgical repair will lead to some time on the sideline. Sixth-year guard Blake Brandel, a 17-game 2024 starter, would be in line to work as a fill-in as part of Minnesota’s revamped interior O-line.

QB J.J. McCarthy May Miss Multiple Weeks

September 19th, 2025 at 9:43am CST by Adam La Rose

SEPTEMBER 19: McCarthy is indeed out for Week 3, and the Vikings are set to fly to Dublin for the following game. With that in mind, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes (video link) Minnesota could very well keep McCarthy sidelined for Week 4 as well. After that, a return to the lineup would be more feasible.

SEPTEMBER 15: J.J. McCarthy was able to finish last night’s game for the Vikings, but at least one contest spent on the sidelines appears to be in store. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero) the second-year quarterback is likely to miss Week 3.

An ankle sprain is to blame for the (expected) missed time. O’Connell added a move to injured reserve is not expected, but a firm timetable is not currently in place (h/t ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). For at least Minnesota’s upcoming game, it looks as though Carson Wentz will be tasked with handling starting duties. Seifert’s colleague Adam Schefter reports a recovery timeline of two to four weeks could be in store.

McCarthy struggled through the first three quarters of his debut in Week 1. The 2024 No. 10 pick rallied in the fourth to lead the Vikings to a win. Last night against the Falcons, no such resurgence took place. Minnesota lost 22-6 during a game in which the team managed only 10 first downs. McCarthy was sacked six times and intercepted twice. O’Connell did note on Monday the 22-year’s absence (should he miss Week 3) will be strictly based on the injury, not his performance.

A meniscus tear suffered during the preseason last summer resulted in surgery for McCarthy. The Michigan product managed to rehab to the point where he was fully cleared in time for training camp, though. Handling first-team reps throughout the summer, he entered the year with high expectations based on his draft stock and O’Connell’s track record with respect to maximizing the potential of his quarterbacks. Things have not gone according to plan so far in terms of production, and now this ailment stands to delay McCarthy’s development process to an extent.

Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones both departed in free agency knowing the starting position would be handed down to McCarthy. Their absences left Sam Howell in place to handle QB2 duties once he was traded from the Seahawks to the Vikings during the draft. More recently, however, Howell was dealt from Minnesota to Philadelphia with the Vikings electing to sign Wentz late in free agency.

The 32-year-old has made 94 starts in his career, with his most recent spell atop a depth chart coming in Washington in 2022. Wentz served as a backup with the Rams the following year and then did the same with the Chiefs last season. A short stint at the helm early in his Minnesota tenure now looks to be in store.

O’Connell also said on Monday that running back Aaron Jones is unlikely to play against the Bengals in Week 3. With multiple starters up front in danger of remaining sidelined for that game as well, Wentz could find himself at the helm of a notably shorthanded unit.

Vikings Trade QB Sam Howell To Eagles; Minnesota Signs Carson Wentz

August 24th, 2025 at 11:27pm CST by Rory Parks

The Vikings are trading quarterback Sam Howell and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Eagles, per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. In exchange, Minnesota will receive a fifth- and seventh-round choice in 2026, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report that the team is also signing veteran passer Carson Wentz to replace Howell and to serve as the backup for J.J. McCarthy.

Wentz, 32, visited the Vikings yesterday, and the summit clearly went well. McCarthy, of course, missed his entire rookie season in 2024 due to injury, though the club’s faith in his ability to operate as the starting QB in 2025 never wavered. Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones were therefore allowed to leave in free agency, and Minnesota acquired Howell during April’s draft with the expectation that he would slot in behind McCarthy on the depth chart.

Howell played well in the club’s first preseason contest this summer, but he struggled in his second outing, completing one of five passes for 13 yards and an interception. He sat out the preseason finale on Friday as Brett Rypien and 2025 UDFA Max Brosmer shared the snaps under center.

In addition to adding a more experienced and accomplished voice in Wentz — who is familiar with HC Kevin O’Connell‘s offensive system — today’s transaction adds a bit more draft capital to the Vikings’ stockpile (just as the recent Harrison Phillips swap did). As multiple pundits, including ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, were quick to point out in the immediate aftermath of the Howell report, Minnesota is in the market for a wide receiver, and the Phillips and Howell trades could help facilitate a WR addition. Longtime Viking and current Panther Adam Thielen remains a target, but Fowler notes the club has multiple lines of inquiry open. Plus, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Minnesota has been pleased with Brosmer and appears perfectly content to have him as the No. 3 QB.

Howell, meanwhile, continues a nomadic journey that is uncommon for such a young player. The Commanders’ 2022 draftee, who will turn 25 next month, started all 17 games for Washington in 2023, and he finished with a 4-13 record. The club was unafraid to let him air it out, as he led the NFL with 612 pass attempts, which led to a league-worst 21 interceptions. He was traded to Seattle in April 2024, but he saw limited action as the backup to Geno Smith. Including today’s deal, the UNC product has been traded three times in the span of 18 months.

Still, the Eagles needed some cover for their own QB room, as Jalen Hurts‘ presumptive backup, Tanner McKee, is dealing with a finger injury that has jeopardized his Week 1 availability. Albert Breer of SI.com notes Philadelphia remains high on McKee, and it does not sound as if his ailment is a long-term one. Nonetheless, Howell will offer an upgrade over sixth-round rookie Kyle McCord, both as the QB2 in the event McKee is not ready to go at the start of the season and as the QB3 over the course of the campaign (or, the Eagles could theoretically try to trade McKee; per Breer, there has been outside interest in the 25-year-old signal-caller, which echoes his recent report on the matter).

Assuming a McKee trade does not come to fruition, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer believes McCord will be waived, though the Eagles could try to stash him on the practice squad if he clears waivers. Offseason trade acquisition Dorian Thompson-Robinson is also on the Eagles’ roster for the time being, but today’s news obviously does not bode well for his future in Philly.

McLane adds that the team has waived/injured DB Lewis Cine, who, according Zach Berman of The Athletic, was on crutches following Friday’s preseason game, when he recorded a diving interception.

QB Carson Wentz To Visit Vikings

August 23rd, 2025 at 10:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

Carson Wentz remains unsigned deep into August, but he is receiving interest. The veteran quarterback is meeting with the Vikings today, ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry reports.

Minnesota expectedly allowed Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones to depart in free agency this offseason, leaving J.J. McCarthy in place to handle starting duties. The 2024 first-rounder’s development will be central to the Vikings’ success, but the depth chart behind him is clearly still a point of focus late in the summer.

The Vikings swung a trade for Sam Howell during the draft, setting up the former Commander and Seahawk to work in the backup gig for one season. Howell did not take part in yesterday’s preseason finale, however. Instead, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer along with veteran Brett Rypien handled quarterback duties against the Titans. Their fates are uncertain with Tuesday’s roster cut deadline looming.

Already carrying four signal-callers, Minnesota does not represent a team in immediate need of new depth under center. Wentz will receive a look, however, and it will presumably include spending time with a familiar face. The Vikings’ quarterbacks coach is Josh McCown, who served as Wentz’s backup with the Eagles in 2019. That represented the final year of McCown’s playing career; he has been on the Vikings’ staff since 2024.

Wentz has bounced around the NFL since his five-year Philadelphia tenure came to an end. The former No. 2 pick has spent single campaigns with the Colts, Commanders, Rams and Chiefs over the past four years. Wentz was destined to find himself on the move once again when Kansas City added Gardner Minshew for the QB2 role. He was linked to the Browns in March, but Cleveland went in a number of different directions to fill out its depth chart.

As a result, Wentz – who has 94 starts to his name but only one from each of the past two campaigns – remains available. The 32-year-old would certainly add a high degree of experience to Minnesota’s QB room as the team prepares to rely on McCarthy following his season-long 2024 injury absence. The Vikings currently have $32MM in cap space, so a one-year Wentz accord should not prove to be challenging provided his visit produces an offer.

Browns Were Not Interested In Long-Term Russell Wilson Commitment; Latest On Team’s QB Plans

March 30th, 2025 at 10:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

Russell Wilson‘s 2025 free agent process ended with a Giants deal. The Super Bowl winner sees himself as the team’s starter, and he could very well wind up atop the depth chart if New York does not use a high draft pick on a passer in April.

Wilson also visited the Browns earlier this month, opening the door to a Cleveland agreement. That did not seem as likely as a Giants pact, though, so Wilson’s ultimate decision came as little surprise. A one-year commitment to the 36-year-old could very well produce a run of starts and another deal being worked out next offseason in New York’s case.

While the Browns also themselves in need of a long-term solution under center, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com writes they viewed Wilson strictly as a bridge option. As a result, negotiations on a contract did not last particularly long, with the longtime Seahawk preferring an option where he would not face as much competition for a starting gig. New York had already added Jameis Winston on a two-year pact, and the team could draft a quarterback at some point next month; nevertheless, Wilson is currently on track to handle QB1 duties at this point.

Cleveland has Deshaun Watson on the books for two more years, but his second Achilles tear leaves him in danger of missing most or all of the 2025 campaign. That leaves trade acquisition Kenny Pickett in place to compete for the starting role this offseason. The top QB selected in the 2022 draft, Pickett’s Steelers tenure did not go as planned and it ended with a trade to the Eagles last spring. The 26-year-old is now in place with the Browns, a team which could be in the market for at least one other passer.

Cleveland has long been connected to trading for Kirk Cousins, but Cabot adds a deal on that front can be considered unlikely at this point. The Falcons passer wants to avoid a repeat of last year’s situation by waiting until after the draft to be dealt, although it remains to be seen if Atlanta will be on board with such a move and if financial arrangements related to the remainder of his contract can be made with an acquiring team. Free agents like Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz have been linked to the Browns, but again Cabot cautions nothing is currently imminent on that front.

Set to select second overall in April’s draft, Cleveland will likely have the opportunity to select any prospect other than Cam Ward. The team was recently reported to be high on Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, but other options will be considered as well. The Browns have hosted Tyler Shough on a top-30 visit, and he is among the quarterbacks who could find themselves in Cleveland next season. For now, at least, Pickett is in position to receive the chance to handle QB1 duties, something he sees himself as capable of managing on his new team.

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