Vikings Make Quarterback Decision For Week 8
By Jason Hall
October 21, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz will start for the fifth consecutive game during the team's Thursday Night Football road game against the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced during his press conference on Tuesday (October 21).
O'Connell also confirmed that J.J. McCarthy, who started Week 1 and suffered an ankle injury in a Week 2 Sunday Night Football loss to the Atlanta Falcons, went through a limited practice, but was still not ready to return on a short week, with just four days in between games. Rookie quarterback Max Brosmer will serve as Wentz's backup in Week 8.
Wentz has gone 2-2 as a starter, which included throwing for 313 yards and two interceptions on 26 of 42 passing during a 28-22 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday (October 19). The former No. 2 overall pick has thrown for 1,072 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions in four appearances.
McCarthy was selected by the Vikings at No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft but missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee during his first preseason appearance. Minnesota opted not to re-sign Sam Darnold, who led the team to a 14-3 record as a starter, during the offseason with the intention of handing the reins to McCarthy prior to his injury.
Wentz signed with the Vikings in August, just prior to the 2025 NFL season, to serve as McCarthy's backup.