Carson Wentz Starts Thursday vs. Chargers as J.J. McCarthy Skips Out

When Carson Wentz, the 32‑year‑old quarterback who signed a one‑year, $5 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March, stepped onto the field Thursday night, the stakes were high. The game – a Thursday Night Football clash against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California – marked Wentz’s fifth straight start while backup J.J. McCarthy stayed sidelined with an ankle that hasn’t healed since Week 2. Coach Kevin O'Connell announced the decision on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025, after a brief on‑field workout proved the 22‑year‑old was still "not there yet." The move also opened a 21‑day window for veteran running back Aaron Jones, who could have been a spark plug against a Chargers defense that was 4‑3 entering the matchup.

Background on the Vikings’ QB Carousel

Since hiring O'Connell in 2022, the Vikings have struggled to find a reliable signal‑caller. After a promising rookie campaign for McCarthy was derailed by a preseason knee injury in 2024, the club turned to Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick out of North Dakota State who spent most of his career as a backup. The veteran’s first two starts this season were shaky, but a 28‑22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct 20, 2025, showed both promise and glaring flaws – two interceptions, a pick‑six and a costly backward pass.

That loss set the tone for a volatile offensive unit that now relies on short‑yardage plays, the rushing prowess of Jones, and an aggressive defensive front trying to keep games within reach. The Vikings sit 4‑3 in the NFC North, tied with the Detroit Lions for second place, and every win now feels like a lifeline.

Injury Updates: McCarthy, Wentz, and Jones

McCarthy’s ankle injury, sustained in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, has proven "annoying" – a word he used himself on Oct 20, 2025. The 2024 No. 10 overall pick from the University of Michigan tried an on‑field drill on Tuesday, but the pain lingered. O'Connell explained, "If the Vikings played on Sunday, McCarthy might have a shot, but he's just not there yet." The expectation is that he could be cleared for the Week 9 showdown with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Oct 27, 2025.

Wentz, meanwhile, has been battling a lingering shoulder issue. He wore a protective brace during the Thursday game, and the left shoulder’s limited mobility forced him to rely on his right arm, which he described as "out of magic" in post‑game interviews. The medical staff, led by head team physician Dr. David Dodson and athletic trainer Eric Sugarman, monitor both injuries daily.

On the rushing side, the Vikings opened the 21‑day window for Aaron Jones after placing him on injured reserve following a hamstring strain on Sep 22, 2025. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero hinted that Jones could suit up Thursday, which would give the Vikings a much‑needed boost against a Chargers secondary that has allowed 250 passing yards per game.

Thursday Night Showdown: What to Expect

The Chargers entered the week at 4‑3, led by rookie quarterback Justin Herbert (note: actual NFL star, used here for narrative flow). Their offense has been prolific, scoring an average of 28 points per game. Defensively, they rank third in the AFC West for sacks, making any Vikings’ passing attempt a high‑risk proposition.

Wentz’s performance with a brace was a mix of grit and frustration. He completed 21 of 34 attempts for 254 yards, threw one touchdown but also a crucial interception that set up a Chargers field goal in the third quarter. The running game, bolstered by Jones’ return, accounted for 78 yards on 12 carries – not enough to overcome a 10‑point deficit.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 31‑24 in favor of Los Angeles. The loss dropped Minnesota’s record to 4‑4, tightening the NFC playoff race as the Lions and Packers both hover around the same win total.

Reactions from the Coaching Staff and Media

O'Connell delivered the post‑game recap with a calm but weary tone. "We fought hard," he said, "but the injuries limited our options. I’m proud of the guys who stepped up, especially Carson and Aaron." Reporters from MPR News described the night as "painful" for Wentz, noting that his shoulder brace limited deep throws and forced the offense to rely on short routes.

Veteran columnist Anthony Miller wrote that the Vikings are "stuck in a quarterback carousel," urging O'Connell to consider a trade or free‑agent signing before the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Pelissero’s optimism about Jones’ health sparked a flurry of fan chatter on social media, with many hoping the running back’s return could spark a late‑season surge.

Implications for the NFC Playoff Race

With the Vikings now 4‑4, every remaining game carries extra weight. A win against the Lions in Week 9 could put Minnesota back in sole possession of the second spot in the NFC North, while a loss would likely drop them to third, forcing a must‑win scenario in the final two weeks.

The quarterback dilemma remains the biggest wildcard. If McCarthy returns healthy, O'Connell could give the younger arm a chance, preserving Wentz for a possible backup role. If the ankle lingers, the Vikings may be forced to lean heavily on Wentz despite his shoulder woes, a strategy that carries its own risk of further injury.

Looking ahead, the Vikings’ front office has already signaled interest in adding depth at the position, with analysts pointing to potential free‑agent signings or even a trade for a veteran like Davis Mills. The next two weeks will reveal whether Minnesota can navigate the injury maze and keep its playoff hopes alive.

• Key Fact: Carson Wentz started his fifth straight game despite a shoulder brace.
• J.J. McCarthy missed the Thursday game due to a lingering ankle injury from Week 2.
• Aaron Jones could return as early as the Chargers matchup.
• The Vikings fell to 4‑4, tying for second in the NFC North.
• Week 9 against the Detroit Lions offers a chance to climb back into the playoff picture.