Veteran QB Carson Wentz is set to make his 98th NFL start against the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, on Sunday. His experience, which Kevin O’Connell referenced as ‘10,000 hours’—something that J.J. McCarthy needs to build towards—has led to sufficient production for the Vikings HC. That’s despite the two interceptions Wentz threw in their Week 4 loss to the Steelers.

Many viewed Wentz as a veteran fallback option, but O’Connell is betting his team can extract more than a stopgap from him. “I think he’s had a really unique journey. At one point in time in Philadelphia, he was one of the best players in the league at the position,” O’Connell said in the Vikings’ latest press conference. The HC further opined how the QB’s time with the Eagles, Colts, Commanders, Rams, and Chiefs helped him develop.

“I think he has been able to have a unique perspective at this point, which makes it enjoyable to coach him. The dialogue and how these plans come to life, with him having some input and involvement, which leads to your first question of just his comfort level when we get to the game.

“And ultimately, how we call the game and how we try to execute it best with Carson playing quarterback for us. I’ve been really happy with him.”

In fact, Wentz is the first NFL player to start for six teams in six consecutive seasons. Prior experience working with coaches like Andy Reid and Sean McVay is one of the reasons he is an asset in Minnesota.  

Wentz’s record supports that argument. He was previously considered one of the best quarterbacks and was chosen second overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Performances like over 3,500 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2021 with the Colts and a Pro Bowl nod in 2017 were the results of his best seasons in Indianapolis and Philadelphia.

“If you really peel back the layers on it, he is two tip-ball, interceptions away from playing having a clean sheet and running out offense, helping us score some points. Consistency amongst all 11 guys on offense, regardless of who’s in, is what we’re looking for,” O’Connell added, and he is not wrong.

Wentz has thrown 523 yards, four passing touchdowns, and two interceptions in just two games this season, which combine with a 98.2 passer rating and a 66.7% completion rate. But on the other side, let us not forget about J.J. McCarthy. He is expected to return at some point, and if inside chatter is to be believed, Wentz may not finish the season as the starter. After all, the team has immense confidence in McCarthy and rookie Max Brosmer.

J.J. McCarthy’s high-ankle sprain halts momentum

Minnesota’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a high-ankle sprain during the Week 2 loss to Atlanta. The injury forced him out of the lineup for the Week 3 contest against Cincinnati, as the Vikings ruled him out for at least 2-4 weeks. But there is good news.

“We had a little bit of a hybrid day,” O’Connell shared an update about McCarthy during the media interaction. “We got some full-speed work, with some extra volume of reps, and slowed the tempo down a little bit. J.J. is working his way back. He is entering the next phase of his rehab, where he can get a little bit more active.

“Looking forward to getting him back on the field practicing with the team as soon as we can, but at the same time, we really want to be smart and make sure we let that high ankle fully heal. 

The Vikings are taking it slow. It is intended to progressively increase his skill level through technique practice and re-acclimation to game speed. McCarthy would get extra time to recover during the Week 6 bye and, in theory, be ready to play in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He will also need more polishing.

McCarthy’s performance earlier this season was inconsistent. He recorded two touchdowns, three interceptions, and 301 passing yards with a completion rate of over 58.5 percent during two starts. In the meantime, veteran Carson Wentz is in charge of starting.

The Vikings want to bring McCarthy back into the fold without jeopardizing his long-term prospects. As they work to maintain McCarthy’s trajectory, the next several weeks will put their ability to strike a balance between a flurry and caution to the test.