Carson Wentz May Get To Play His Old Team Week 7

Vikings News

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned to limited practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2, while backup Carson Wentz participated fully following a left shoulder injury. The Vikings’ Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles remains clouded by uncertainty over who will start at the position.

McCarthy was sidelined for three consecutive games after injuring his ankle in the second quarter against Atlanta on September 14. Medical staff initially projected a two-to-four week recovery, though some reports indicated a potential four-to-six week timeline. The 22-year-old worked individually with coaches during Minnesota’s bye week to rebuild his mechanical foundation before returning to team drills Wednesday.

“I wouldn’t say it’s 100 percent,” McCarthy said of his ankle status. “We’ve got to be smart and understand there are a lot of things that go on. I’m just going to do what I’m told and try to get better.”

Head coach Kevin O’Connell was noncommittal about McCarthy’s readiness for Sunday. “I don’t necessarily want to put a percentage on where I think he’s at health-wise,” O’Connell said. “I think this week we’ll be massive for our whole team, but just to see J.J. back out there getting reps and working through the process of building that foundation back up, we got off to a really good start last week.”

Wentz stepped in when McCarthy went down and led the Vikings to a 2-1 record over three starts, including two games overseas in London and Dublin. The veteran injured his left shoulder during Minnesota’s comeback victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 5 but only missed one play. He returned to the sideline with a sleeve on his shoulder and finished the game.

Reports described the injury as “pretty painful,” but Wentz expressed a desire to play. “He’s day-to-day,” O’Connell said of the 32-year-old. “From a health standpoint he’s feeling positive.”

The Vikings’ third-string quarterback is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who has taken only one snap in the regular season—a kneeldown. If both McCarthy and Wentz are unable to play, Brosmer would become the starter despite limited NFL experience beyond preseason work.

Minnesota’s offense has sputtered in stretches despite the team sitting at 3-2 after five weeks. The Vikings struggled with turnovers and consistency in McCarthy’s two starts to open the season, and while Wentz provided stability, he too has shown flashes of uncertainty. The Eagles defense ranks sixth in pass defense efficiency and held opponents to an 83.3 passer rating through Week 6.

O’Connell said he wanted McCarthy to have a full week of practice before committing to game action, leaving the possibility that Wentz could start against his former team regardless of McCarthy’s progress this week. The coach emphasized the importance of preparation over making a public declaration too early.

“I think there’s the decision that is the public one, and I think there’s the decision with what we’re going to do for the game,” O’Connell said. “And those two things can be on different timelines.”