Vikings set to start J.J. McCarthy vs Lions as Carson Wentz battles shoulder pain

When the Minnesota Vikings Football Club announced that J.J. McCarthy will line up as the starter against the Detroit Lions on Nov 2, 2025, the buzz in Minneapolis turned from frustration to tentative optimism. The decision comes after a humbling 31‑10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct 24, where backup quarterback Carson Wentz played through a searing left‑shoulder injury that left him in visible distress. For a franchise that once celebrated a 13‑4 NFC North title, the stakes couldn’t be higher: a healthy McCarthy could be the missing piece that steadies a season that’s already slipping.

Background: Injuries and the quarterback shuffle

McCarthy’s troubles began in Week 2, when a high‑ankle sprain on Oct 5 knocked him out just seven weeks later. The injury was initially pegged at 4‑6 weeks, but the Thursday‑night schedule compressed his recovery, leaving him just shy of a full runway. Kevin O'Connell, the 39‑year‑old head coach, admitted on Oct 22 that a Sunday game would have given McCarthy “a real shot to play.” Instead, the Vikings leaned on the 32‑year‑old veteran who’d signed in free agency this spring after stints with the Indianapolis Colts (2021‑2023) and Washington Commanders (2024).

Wentz’s performance against the Chargers was a mixed bag. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 144 yards, tossed one touchdown, and threw an interception. The line gave up five sacks and hit him eight times, culminating in a moment where he tossed his helmet onto the bench and covered his face with a towel. The veteran later apologized to equipment staff, noting he’d never before worn a shoulder harness or the multiple wraps that now clung to his left side.

Meanwhile, third‑string quarterback Max Brosmer has watched from the sidelines, ready to step in if both starters go down. According to NBC Sports’ ProFootballTalk, McCarthy has already been healthy enough to serve as a backup for the past two games, a fact that gives the coaching staff a little breathing room.

Week 9 showdown: Vikings vs Lions

The upcoming clash is slated for Week 9 matchupFord Field in Detroit, Michigan. It’s not just another divisional game; it’s a litmus test for the Vikings’ quarterback future. A win could cement McCarthy’s role, while a loss would likely deepen the debate over whether the franchise should seek a new signal‑caller in the offseason.

On paper, the Lions guard a 2‑4 record and have been bolstered by a rookie running back who’s averaged 5.2 yards per carry over the past three weeks. For the Vikings, the primary objective is to give McCarthy live‑game reps—something ESPN’s Kevin Seifert has called “crucial for his development.” The Vikings will have an extra practice on Monday, Oct 27, which O'Connell described as a “mini‑bye” that lets the coaching staff run the offense with McCarthy at the helm.

Coach O'Connell’s decision‑making process

O'Connell’s approach balances short‑term results with long‑term planning. After the Chargers game, he confirmed that Wentz would start again despite the shoulder issue—a move that raised eyebrows among analysts. The coach explained that he didn’t want to “rush” McCarthy back and risk aggravating the ankle, especially after the team’s extra Thursday night schedule left little recovery time.

But the same coach also knows the Vikings can’t afford a “low‑level starter/high‑end backup” for the remaining 13 games. In his words, “We need our quarterback to be reliable, not just competent.” His comments echo the sentiment of many NFL insiders who see McCarthy as the potential franchise quarterback but note his injury history—first a preseason knee injury in August 2024, now the current ankle sprain.

What the numbers say about Wentz and McCarthy

Statistically, Wentz’s brief stint as starter yields a 42.9 QBR, placing him at No. 25 among NFL quarterbacks. He’s led the team to a 2‑3 record, a modest improvement over the 1‑4 start before he took over. However, his sack rate (five sacks in a single game) highlights the protection issues that have plagued the Vikings’ offensive line.

McCarthy, on the other hand, threw for 215 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in his limited action before the ankle injury. His completion percentage sits at 68%, a figure that surpasses the league average for rookie quarterbacks. If he can stay healthy, those numbers suggest he could be the spark the Vikings need.

Expert analyst Mike Mayock noted, “The younger quarterback’s ceiling is higher, but the franchise can’t wait for him to be perfect. The most successful teams give their starter the support—both in protection and in coaching—that they need to thrive.”

Implications for the Vikings’ franchise future

The decision to start McCarthy isn’t just a week‑to‑week call; it’s a statement about the team’s direction through 2026. If McCarthy proves resilient and can throw the ball effectively under pressure, Minnesota may lock him in as the long‑term answer, potentially reshaping contract negotiations with Wentz and the broader roster.

Conversely, a poor performance could reignite speculation that the Vikings should explore trade options for a more seasoned quarterback or even consider drafting a signal‑caller next year. The franchise’s front office, led by GM Rick Spielman, is already rumored to be weighing its options, especially as the NFC North becomes increasingly competitive with the Packers and Bears also eyeing playoff spots.

Fans, who have endured a roller‑coaster season, are hungry for stability. The only way to achieve that is for McCarthy to stay on the field, avoid re‑injuring his ankle, and start delivering the kind of consistent play that turns a “potential” into a “franchise” quarterback.

Key Facts

• McCarthy’s high‑ankle sprain occurred on Oct 5, 2025 (Week 2).
• Wentz has a 42.9 QBR and a 2‑3 record as starter.
• Week 9 game: Vikings @ Lions, Nov 2, 2025, at Ford Field.
• Vikings’ offensive line allowed five sacks in the Chargers game.
• Coach O'Connell emphasizes “reliable quarterback” over “low‑level starter.”