The Minnesota Vikings’ overseas stint has been anything but normal. Two games abroad, two quarterbacks rotating, and one nagging question—who actually is in charge under center? With rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy out with a high ankle sprain and veteran Carson Wentz fighting through his own injury scare, head coach Kevin O’Connell is walking the line between patience and pragmatism.

“I’m just excited we got the win today,” O’Connell said. “We’re gonna move forward with this bye and get as healthy as we can at all positions.” 

Right now, O’Connell isn’t ready to hand the starting position to anyone just yet. After Sunday’s victory over the Cleveland Browns, he kept his cool when asked if the starting job was Wentz’s to lose, but his message was clear. McCarthy’s return remains the long-term focus, not a quarterback controversy.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Minnesota intends to increase McCarthy’s workload in the bye week with hopes of him returning to full participation by Week 7 against the Eagles. Contrary to speculation, O’Connell insists this isn’t a “soft benching.”

McCarthy has not practiced two consecutive days since Week 1, and the team wants him ready—not rushed. Wet and windy weather conditions in London even caused them to postpone his practice schedule, indicating a cautious, measured approach. In the meantime, Wentz proved why he remains a reliable veteran.

After leaving briefly with a shoulder injury in the late first half, he came back to guide a tough second-half rally, directing the Vikings to a 21–17 victory. His calm under duress, punctuated by a game-winning touchdown drive, secured Minnesota a crucial win.

For O’Connell, the path forward is deliberate. The Vikings desire to have McCarthy back, but McCarthy in the right form. Until then, Wentz holds the bridge. For now, he’s steering it just fine.

Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell reveals the reason for Jordan Addison’s first-quarter bench

The Minnesota Vikings pulled off late-game heroics in London, but one key storyline unfolded before the scoreboard drama. Wide receiver Jordan Addison, who caught the game-winning touchdown, didn’t see the field in the first quarter of the 21–17 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Fans quickly noticed his absence. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert posted on X that Addison was “heading onto the field” in the second quarter, confirming a first-quarter benching labeled a “coach’s decision.” After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell explained why.

“Jordan missed a walkthrough this week,” O’Connell said. “Those types of things aren’t in alignment with our standards. I wanted to make sure he was held accountable for that.”

Despite the discipline, Addison responded exactly how his coach hoped. “He handled it professionally,” O’Connell added. “He spoke with the team to let them know that whenever I give him the opportunity to go into the game, they can count on him — and he makes the game-winning catch.”

The second-year receiver finished with five receptions for 41 yards and the decisive 12-yard touchdown from Carson Wentz with just 30 seconds left.

O’Connell made sure to reinforce his faith in the young wideout. “I love Jordan Addison,” he said. “He knows every guy in that locker room has his back. He knows I will not waver in my confidence and belief in him — but at the same time, we’ve got standards.”

Addison, who was suspended for three games earlier this season for DUI, turned another mistake into motivation. This time, it ensured a Vikings victory.