Carson Wentz to Start vs. Eagles as Vikings Opt Out of J.J. McCarthy
Oct, 24 2025
When Carson Wentz, the 32‑year‑old veteran quarterback who began his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, was named starter for Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, October 19, 2025, the buzz at U.S. Bank Stadium turned electric. Head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed the decision on Friday, October 17, ending days of speculation over whether rookie J.J. McCarthy would get the nod after returning from an ankle sprain. The matchup pits Wentz against the franchise that drafted him No. 2 overall in 2016, offering a narrative twist that could draw even casual fans to the gridiron.
- Date & venue: Sunday, Oct 19, 2025 – U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
- Teams: Vikings (3‑2) vs. Eagles (4‑2)
- Starter: Carson Wentz (Vikings)
- Backup roster: J.J. McCarthy (emergency third QB), Max Brosmer (primary backup)
- Key storylines: Wentz’s 98th career start, his quest for a win against former team, and McCarthy’s rehab timeline
Why the Vikings Chose Experience Over Youth
During the week leading up to the game, J.J. McCarthy was limited to light drills. The 23‑year‑old, who missed Weeks 3‑5 with the ankle injury he suffered against the Atlanta Falcons, told reporters on Wednesday that his foot was still “not at 100 %.” Meanwhile, Wentz ran a full practice schedule despite nursing a sore non‑throwing shoulder from the Week 5 win in London.
Coach O'Connell, a former Rams offensive coordinator, explained his rationale on Monday: "We need a quarterback who can manage the game and protect the ball. Wentz gives us that confidence right now." The decision also reflects the Vikings’ immediate playoff aspirations; a loss could drop them out of the NFC wild‑card picture.
Wentz’s Numbers Since Taking Over
In the three games Wentz has started while McCarthy recovered, he’s amassed 759 passing yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 99.5 passer rating – good enough for 14th in the league. He’s also been sacked 12 times, underscoring the offensive line’s ongoing struggles. By contrast, McCarthy’s career passer rating sits at a dismal 67.2, the second‑worst among qualified quarterbacks.
One highlight came in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns in London. Wentz completed all nine attempts for 71 yards and delivered a clutch 12‑yard touchdown to wide receiver Jordan Addison with just 25 seconds left. He also tossed a 21‑yard back‑shoulder pass to All‑Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, a play that helped seal the win.
McCarthy’s Rehab Roadmap
After the ankle sprain, McCarthy’s rehab has been cautious. He returned to the facility on Monday, Oct 14, but limited his participation to walkthroughs. The Vikings kept him on the active roster for Week 7 but listed him as the emergency third quarterback. Should he be forced into action, backup Max Brosmer will be the first line of defense.
"He's still learning the speed of the NFL,” O'Connell admitted, “but I’m comfortable with J.J. stepping in if the situation demands it.” The coaching staff hopes the next few weeks will see the rookie fully healthy, allowing him to resume the role he was drafted for.
What This Means for the Eagles
The Eagles entered the matchup on a two‑game skid after a 4‑0 start to the season. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has seen his passer rating dip, and the defense, once top‑ranked, has struggled against balanced attacks. Facing a former Eagle who knows the organization’s playbook adds a psychological edge.
“Seeing Wentz back on the field against us feels like a déjà vu,” Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said at a press conference. “We’ll have to adjust our schemes to his tendencies, which we know well.”
Broader Implications for the Vikings’ Season
A win could push Minnesota into the top two in the NFC North and solidify O'Connell’s reputation for managing a quarterback carousel. A loss, however, could rekindle calls for a longer‑term commitment to McCarthy, especially if his rehab stalls.
Analysts at ESPN project the Vikings at a 53 % chance of making the playoffs if they finish above .500, a threshold they’ll be scrambling to meet.
What Comes Next
The Week 7 clash is slated for a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If Wentz leads the Vikings to victory, his narrative will shift from “journeyman” to “revenge‑seeker,” a storyline that could boost attendance and TV ratings. Meanwhile, the Eagles will be desperate to stop the momentum and prove Hurts can still be the league’s top dual‑threat signal‑caller.
Following the game, expect a press conference on Monday where O'Connell will likely revisit the quarterback situation. If McCarthy’s ankle shows signs of healing, the Vikings could swing the pendulum back to the young quarterback for the rest of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Carson Wentz’s start affect the Vikings’ playoff odds?
If Wentz guides Minnesota to a win, the Vikings improve to 4‑2, boosting their chances of clinching a wild‑card spot to roughly 55 %. A loss would drop them to 3‑3 and likely force the team to rely on McCarthy’s recovery for a late‑season push.
What’s the status of J.J. McCarthy’s ankle injury?
McCarthy missed Weeks 3‑5 and returned to limited practice on Oct 14. He is listed as an emergency third quarterback for Week 7, but the Vikings say his ankle is still not at full strength and he won’t see game action unless both starters are unavailable.
Why is Wentz’s performance against the Eagles significant?
This will be Wentz’s 98th career start and his second against the team that drafted him. A victory would give him his first win over Philadelphia, adding a personal redemption layer to the game and potentially reshaping his legacy.
What are the Eagles hoping to fix before facing the Vikings?
After back‑to‑back losses, Philadelphia is focusing on improving defensive communication and getting Jalen Hurts back to his early‑season efficiency. The coaching staff is also tweaking the offensive line to give Hurts more clean time in the pocket.
When can we expect a decision on McCarthy’s long‑term role?
O'Connell hinted that the quarterback battle will be revisited after the Week 9 matchup. If McCarthy’s health progresses, he could reclaim the starting spot by mid‑season, assuming his performance meets the staff’s expectations.