When Carson Wentz, quarterback of Minnesota Vikings Football Club took the field at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the buzz was less about who was starting and more about who wasn’t.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell, Vikings head coach announced the decision at a press conference in Eagan, Minnesota, confirming that the 32‑year‑old veteran would start against the Los Angeles Chargers Football Company, while second‑year signal‑caller J.J. McCarthy, quarterback remained sidelined with a nagging ankle injury.
Why the Decision Matters
The Vikings entered Week 8 with a 3‑3 record, perched in the thick of an NFC playoff race where seven teams hold winning records. With a short week after a Thursday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles, O'Connell faced a timeline dilemma: push McCarthy’s recovery or lean on Wentz’s experience.
"We put J.J. through an on‑field workout, but he’s still not there," O'Connell said, adding that a Sunday game might have given the staff a few extra days to reassess. "It’s basically a Friday on a Wednesday‑Thursday timeline."
When asked about the backup plan, the coach listed the depth chart: Wentz starting, Max Brosmer, third‑year quarterback as the primary backup, and McCarthy as the emergency third‑string.
Quarterback Carousel: Stats and Injuries
Wentz, who has started 98 regular‑season games before this one, is now chasing his 99th start. This season he’s gone 2‑2, throwing for 626 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions across his first four starts. In the latest outing against the Eagles, he completed 26 of 42 passes for 313 yards, but a pick‑six and a bizarre backward pass that resulted in an 8‑yard loss highlighted his lingering shoulder issue.
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan, suffered the ankle injury in Week 2 against Atlanta. He described it last week as “annoying,” and while he participated in a limited workout on October 21, O'Connell’s assessment was clear: "He’s not ready for a short‑week game."
Meanwhile, the backup, Brosmer, has seen limited action but posted a 58.3% completion rate in limited practice reps, offering a modest safety net should Wentz’s shoulder flare up again.
Running Back Aaron Jones: A Possible Return
The Vikings also opened the 21‑day window for Aaron Jones II, running back, who has been on injured reserve since Week 3 with a hamstring strain. NFL Network insider Thomas Pelissero, senior NFL insider reported that Jones could be cleared as early as Thursday night.
"He’s a veteran who knows what he has to do," O'Connell said when asked about the star back. "We’ll be smart with Aaron, but we also know what he can bring to our offense."
If Jones returns, the Vikings gain a dual‑threat weapon that could help offset the pass‑heavy game plan the Chargers typically employ at home.
The Chargers’ Angle
Los Angeles, under the leadership of Anthony Lynn, head coach, comes into the matchup with a 4‑2 record. Their offense, led by Justin Herbert, quarterback, has averaged 27.5 points per game and will look to exploit the Vikings’ questionable secondary.
The Chargers’ own injury list includes a lingering groin issue for wide receiver Keenan Allen, potentially limiting their deep‑ball threat.
What This Means for the Playoff Race
A win would push Minnesota to 4‑3, keeping them squarely in the NFC wild‑card conversation. A loss, however, could see them slip to 3‑4, handing a crucial advantage to rivals like the Seattle Seahawks and the Dallas Cowboys.
Since the Vikings started 2‑0, they’ve lost three straight. The coaching staff hopes that Wentz’s veteran poise, combined with a refreshed ground attack from Jones, can halt the slide.
Looking Ahead: Week 9 in Detroit
O'Connell hinted that McCarthy might be ready for the Week 9 showdown at Ford Field in Detroit, slated for Sunday, October 27, 2025. If the young quarterback returns, Minnesota could field a combo of his mobility with Wentz’s arm—an intriguing “two‑QB” scenario that could confound the Lions’ defense.
Meanwhile, the Vikings’ front office, led by president Kevin Warren and general manager Kwesi Adofo‑Mensah, will be watching the Week 8 outcome closely to decide whether to keep Wentz in the starter’s seat or fast‑track McCarthy’s development.
Key Facts
- Carson Wentz starts for Minnesota at SoFi Stadium.
- J.J. McCarthy remains out due to an ankle injury; possible return Week 9.
- Aaron Jones’ injury window opens; could return Thursday night.
- Vikings sit 3‑3; Chargers sit 4‑2 entering Week 8.
- Week 9 matchup slated for Detroit’s Ford Field on October 27, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does J.J. McCarthy’s injury affect the Vikings’ quarterback depth?
McCarthy’s ankle limits him to a third‑string role for now, leaving Max Brosmer as the primary backup. If the injury lingers, the Vikings will rely heavily on Wentz’s durability and may consider a short‑term signing before Week 9.
Can Aaron Jones realistically play against the Chargers on Thursday?
Jones opened his 21‑day IR window on October 21, and team physios say he could be cleared by Thursday night. Even a limited snap count would bolster the Vikings’ run game and help control the clock against a high‑octane Chargers offense.
What are the implications of a Vikings loss for the NFC playoff picture?
A defeat drops Minnesota to 3‑4, putting them a game behind the next‑closest wild‑card contenders. It would also give division rivals like Seattle an extra cushion, making a late‑season surge essential for playoff hopes.
Is there any chance the Vikings could start J.J. McCarthy in Week 9?
Coach O'Connell hinted at a possible return for the Detroit game, citing the longer recovery window. If McCarthy’s ankle improves, he could see limited snaps, offering a glimpse of his dual‑threat capabilities before the season’s final stretch.
How have the Vikings performed with Carson Wentz as a starter this season?
Wentz is 2‑2 as a starter, throwing for 626 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His veteran poise has helped keep the offense moving, but the shoulder brace he wore against Philadelphia shows he’s not at 100% health.