NFL Rumors: Vikings Make Quarterback Decision After Week 7 Loss

October 21, 2025 ,
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell reacts on the sidelines during 2025 game.

Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start for the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers, as rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues to recover from an ankle injury. 

Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Tuesday that McCarthy participated in an on-field workout but isn’t ready to return on a short week. Rookie Max Brosmer will serve as the backup in Los Angeles while McCarthy remains the emergency No. 3 option.

Wentz Continues as Starter Amid McCarthy’s Recovery
 O’Connell noted that McCarthy might have been ready if the Vikings were playing Sunday instead of Thursday, indicating the second-year QB’s return could come in Week 9 against Detroit. 

McCarthy, the former No. 10 overall pick, missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury and has been sidelined since Week 2’s loss to Atlanta. Wentz, who’s 2-2 as Minnesota’s starter, has completed 67% of his passes for 1,072 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

Vikings Eye Playoff Push as Aaron Jones Nears Return
 The Vikings remain in the NFC playoff hunt at 3-3 but need more consistency on offense after Wentz’s rocky outing against Philadelphia, where he threw two interceptions and a pick-six. 

Help could be coming soon, as O’Connell also opened the 21-day practice window for running back Aaron Jones, who’s been on injured reserve with a hamstring issue since Week 3. Jones’ return could boost a backfield that’s struggled to find rhythm as Minnesota prepares for a crucial primetime matchup in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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