On Tuesday, October 22, 2025, Minnesota Vikings announced that Carson Wentz, the team's veteran quarterback, will start in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The decision comes while head coach Kevin O'Connell stayed silent about the recovery timeline of 23‑year‑old first‑round pick J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a high‑ankle sprain on October 5 against Detroit. Why it matters: the Vikings could become the first NFL team since the 1999 New York Giants to start three different quarterbacks before the midway point of a season, and the move could swing the balance of their playoff hopes.
Background: The Vikings’ Quarterback Carousel
When Sam Darnold arrived on a one‑year, $10 million deal in March 2025, hopes were high that he could finally give Minnesota a steady signal‑caller. After four games, however, Darnold completed just 58.7 % of his passes, throwing nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. The front office promptly benched him, sparking a scramble for alternatives.
Enter Carson Wentz, a 32‑year‑old veteran who joined the Vikings mid‑season last year. In relief duty against Green Bay on October 13, Wentz posted a 68.3 % completion rate for 412 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. While those numbers aren't eye‑popping, they were enough to earn him the Week 8 nod.
Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins, the former Vikings starter now with the Atlanta Falcons, has publicly expressed a desire to return to Minnesota. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot confirmed on October 20 that Cousins remains under contract through the end of the 2025 season and that no trade talks are active. The recent acquisition of veteran Joe Flacco by the Cincinnati Bengals further narrows Cousins' potential destinations.
Week 8 Preview: Wentz vs. the Chargers
The Chargers arrived in Inglewood riding a three‑game winning streak, buoyed by a high‑powered offense led by Justin Herbert. Vikings fans will be hoping Wentz can keep the game within reach, especially after the team fell 24‑10 to Green Bay the week before. Betting lines from DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons as 2.5‑point favorites for their upcoming November 3 showdown, but the Chargers are a different beast.
So how does Wentz match up?"
- Completion rate: 68.3 % (Week 7)
- Yards per attempt: 6.5
- Touchdown‑to‑interception ratio: 2‑1
Those stats suggest a solid, if unspectacular, performance. The Vikings will likely lean on a strong running game featuring Dalvin Cook to take pressure off the veteran. If the Chargers strip the ball, Minnesota’s secondary—still adjusting to new schemes under defensive coordinator Jose Martinez—must step up.
Injury Update: J.J. McCarthy’s Uncertain Recovery
The official injury report released Monday, October 21, listed McCarthy as “Questionable.” Under NFL rules, the team has a 21‑day practice window that expires on November 11, meaning they must either activate him or place him on season‑ending injured reserve. No official timeline has been given, and O'Connell has refused to comment beyond saying the medical staff is “monitoring his progress daily.”
McCarthy’s high‑ankle sprain is the kind that can linger, especially for a quarterback who relies on mobility to extend plays. If he returns, the Vikings could swing back to a youthful, two‑QB system that many analysts argue is the long‑term solution. If not, Wentz becomes the bridge to a possible offseason overhaul.
Reactions: Coaches, Front Office, and Fans
In a press conference at the Vikings’ headquarters in Eagan, team president Mark Wilf said, “Our focus remains on developing J.J. McCarthy for the long term while giving ourselves the best opportunity to win games now with the personnel we have available.” The comment underscored the delicate balance between short‑term competitiveness and long‑term roster building.
General manager Kwesi Adofo‑Mensah faced a tough grilling about the quarterback carousel. He replied, “We’re evaluating every option, but the health of our players comes first. If Carson can help us get a win, we’ll give him the chance.” The scrutiny is real: Vikings fans have taken to social media, some cheering the veteran’s steadiness, others demanding a faster return for McCarthy.
From the sidelines, former MVP Aaron Rodgers — now retired — offered a brief “good luck” to both quarterbacks when asked about the situation, highlighting the league’s respect for anyone stepping into the role.
Implications for the Rest of the Season
If Wentz leads Minnesota to a win, the Vikings could climb to a 5‑3 record, keeping them in the NFC North playoff race. A loss, however, drops them to 4‑4 and deepens the quarterback dilemma. The impending trade deadline on November 1 adds another layer: the Vikings could still explore a trade for a younger arm, but any move would need to fit under the cap, which is already tight after signing Wentz and retaining McCarthy.
Should McCarthy be activated before the window closes, the Vikings would likely reinstate him as the starter, placing Wentz back into a backup role. That scenario would make the upcoming November 3 game against the Falcons a litmus test for the team’s depth, as Atlanta’s rookie Michael Penix Jr. will be under the microscope.
In short, Week 8 is a crossroads. The decision to start Wentz reflects a pragmatism that could pay off, but it also highlights the urgency of resolving the quarterback conundrum before the season’s second half.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Carson Wentz’s start affect the Vikings’ playoff chances?
If Wentz can secure a win against the high‑scoring Chargers, Minnesota improves to 5‑3, keeping them within striking distance of the NFC North lead. A loss drops them to 4‑4, tightening the margin for a wild‑card spot and raising pressure on the front office to resolve the quarterback issue quickly.
What are the key factors determining J.J. McCarthy’s return?
McCarthy’s high‑ankle sprain recovery hinges on MRI results, his ability to practice without pain, and the 21‑day practice window deadline of November 11. The Vikings’ medical staff will also weigh the risk of re‑injury against the need for a long‑term starter.
Could Kirk Cousins be traded back to Minnesota?
While Cousins has voiced interest, Falcons GM Terry Fontenot confirmed there are no active discussions and that Cousins is under contract through 2025. The recent signing of Joe Flacco by the Bengals further limits Minnesota’s trade options.
What does the quarterback carousel mean for the Vikings’ salary cap?
Wentz’s $7 million base salary sits comfortably under the cap, but adding another veteran or promoting McCarthy permanently could tighten finances. The team will need to make careful decisions ahead of the November 1 trade deadline to avoid costly cap penalties.
How might the Chargers respond to a veteran starter?
The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, are likely to stick to their high‑tempo passing attack. A seasoned quarterback like Wentz could help Minnesota manage the game flow, but defensive lapses could still allow the Chargers to exploit big‑play opportunities.