Vikings lock in Carson Wentz as starter vs. Chargers in Week 8

• by Casper Lockwood
• Oct, 24 2025

When Carson Wentz, veteran quarterback stepped onto the practice field in Eagan, Minnesota on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that the 31‑year‑old would start his fifth straight game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, October 24. The decision, made just two days before kickoff, hinges on a compressed week of preparation and the need for "clarity" at the most important position on the field.

Why the Vikings stuck with Wentz

O'Connell told reporters that the short turnaround from Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles left little room for speculation. "We had a Sunday game, then a Thursday game. If we started a rookie, we’d be risking the continuity that’s essential on a short week," he explained. The Vikings sit at 3‑3, tied with several NFC North rivals, and every win matters as the playoff race tightens.

Wentz, now in his ninth NFL season, continues to battle a left‑shoulder issue that requires a brace. Despite the ailment, he posted 313 passing yards, two interceptions and a pick‑six in the 28‑22 loss to Philadelphia on October 20. That performance kept his record at 2‑2 as a starter this year. "My mindset is to go win this game and focus on the here and now," Wentz said during the press conference. "I don't have a lot of time or energy to think beyond this one. So let the future take care of itself, but the mindset is to go 1‑0 this week."

Injury updates on the Vikings' roster

Backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 22‑year‑old University of Michigan standout taken 10th overall in the 2024 draft, remains sidelined with a high‑right ankle sprain. The Vikings’ medical team ran an on‑field workout with him on Tuesday, but concluded that starting him would "risk re‑injury." McCarthy has now missed 22 of a possible 24 regular‑season games since being drafted, a stark reminder of how fragile a rookie’s first season can be.

Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, a former University of New Hampshire quarterback, will serve as Wentz’s primary backup for Thursday’s contest. Meanwhile, running back Aaron Jones finally opened his 21‑day practice window after a hamstring strain in Week 1. Signed to a three‑year, $22.5 million contract in March, Jones could be cleared to play as early as Thursday, a boost for a rushing attack that has leaned heavily on Jordan Mason. Mason has compiled 380 yards and four touchdowns through seven games, but Vikings fans have missed Jones’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

Matchup preview: Vikings vs. Chargers

The Chargers arrive in Inglewood with a 4‑3 record and one of the league’s most explosive offenses, led by quarterback Justin Herbert. SoFi Stadium, a 70,240‑seat venue that cost $5.1 billion to construct, will host the Thursday Night Football showdown. Analysts note that the Vikings’ defensive line, bolstered by rookie edge rusher Marco Coleman, will need to generate pressure without relying on the blitz, giving Wentz a chance to pick apart a secondary that has allowed an average of 233 passing yards per game.

Key statistics heading into the game:

• Vikings are 3‑3, ranking 7th in the NFC for points per game (23.5).
• Chargers sit 2nd in the league for total offense (425 yards per game).
• Wentz’s passer rating this season: 85.4.
• Herbert’s completion rate: 68.2%.
• Aaron Jones has missed the first six games, limiting the Vikings’ passing‑run balance.

Special teams could also swing the outcome. The Vikings’ kicker Greg Joseph has been perfect inside 45 yards (5‑0), while the Chargers’ rookie returner Jalen Guyton has averaged 27.3 yards per kickoff return.

Implications for the NFC playoff race

A win would push Minnesota to 4‑3, putting the Vikings ahead of the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, both of whom sit at 3‑4. A loss, however, drops the team to 3‑4 and could force them into a tiebreaker scenario for the final NFC wild‑card slot. Moreover, the outcome may dictate O'Connell’s approach in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions. If McCarthy clears his ankle in time, O'Connell hinted that the rookie could see his first NFL start on November 3.

Expert analyst Mike Mayock told a regional sports network that "Wentz’s experience is the X‑factor. If he can stay healthy and limit turnovers, the Vikings have a real shot at pulling ahead of the Lions and Bears in the NFC North." The sentiment echoes the sentiment shared by former Vikings offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who noted that “the short‑week scenario favors a quarterback who’s already in rhythm rather than a freshman still learning the system.”

Looking ahead: Week 9 and beyond

Assuming McCarthy returns, the Vikings might rotate the two quarterbacks based on matchup specifics. O'Connell admitted on Tuesday that the staff is "keeping options open" and that the decision will depend on McCarthy’s ankle stability during practice on Thursday night. Should the quarterback battle become a recurring storyline, Minnesota could see a unique dual‑starter system similar to the one the Buffalo Bills employed in 2022.

Beyond the immediate game, the Vikings’ front office faces a crucial roster deadline on March 10, 2025, when they must decide whether to re‑sign Wentz beyond his current one‑year contract. The quarterback’s market value, projected at $10‑12 million for the 2025 season, could influence Minnesota’s salary‑cap strategy, especially if they aim to retain Aaron Jones and add depth at wide receiver.