Sometimes, silence speaks volumes. And in Minnesota, those whispers are getting louder. While the Vikings haven’t officially benched quarterback J.J. McCarthy, their actions and the strategic leaks to NFL insiders hint at a subtle shift in their approach.

On Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero provided some insight into the situation.

“Carson Wentz used to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s true, a lot of people don’t know that,” Rapoport said. “He is going to be the starter in an ultimate revenge game for the Minnesota Vikings… He is good to go. Don’t be surprised if he starts next week as well while JJ McCarthy is still recovering from a high ankle sprain.”

He believes that the Vikings are delaying that choice until they are forced to make it.

That report didn’t sound like speculation; it sounded like strategy. The leak, likely from within the organization, signals Minnesota’s growing comfort with Carson Wentz and hesitation about McCarthy’s readiness. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy would serve only as an emergency quarterback against Philadelphia, reinforcing that message without saying it outright. For now, the Vikings are taking the cautious route.

McCarthy sprained his ankle in week 2 against the Falcons and has been out since. It looks like he will continue learning from the sidelines as long as Wentz stays healthy and the team keeps winning. Instead of letting competition dictate the role, Minnesota appears to be crafting the narrative through the media.

In essence, the Vikings didn’t just postpone a quarterback decision; they are ignoring it. And by leaking information through insiders like Rapoport, they made one thing clear: McCarthy’s return isn’t just about his health anymore. It’s about who performs best on the field.

Vikings discover new backfield formula amid Aaron Jones’ injury

Sometimes, an injury can lead to unexpected discoveries. For the Minnesota Vikings, the absence of Aaron Jones has subtly transformed their offense and uncovered some surprising depth at running back.

Jordan Mason, who was picked up from the 49ers earlier this year, has quickly become the driving force behind Minnesota’s rushing attack. He has stepped up as a true powerhouse, smashing through defenses and taking on extended playing time without breaking a sweat. With the Vikings gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles, his role is more crucial than ever.

Equally fascinating is the rise of Zavier Scott. Once considered an afterthought, Scott has found his place as a dynamic option on third downs. His speed in open space and ability to exploit gaps add an element of surprise to the Vikings’ game plan. He’s the guy they push out wide, the one who runs wheel routes to keep defenses on their toes.

Together, Mason and Scott have brought a fresh balance to Minnesota’s offense. It’s not about relying solely on star players anymore; it’s about finding a rhythm and clarity in their roles. This two-back system has kept the Vikings efficient, even while Jones is still recovering.

Jones is set to return soon, possibly as early as the Thursday night game in Week 8. However, even if he’s back, the Vikings are likely to ease him in, especially with such a short turnaround. 

For now, Minnesota isn’t counting on Jones to rescue its backfield. They’ve discovered solutions in motion and a duo that’s proving that every carry matters.