Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy lacking time in a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right ankle.

While the Minnesota Vikings are being cautious with J.J. McCarthy, head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't setting an unreasonable standard for when the quarterback can be activated again.

An ankle injury will again keep J.J. McCarthy from returning to the Minnesota lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

We're nearing the midway point of the 2025 NFL season, and the Minnesota Vikings may soon be on their third starting quarterback of the year. Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed as much this week, admitting undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is "an option" in the event Carson Wentz can't stay on the field as J.J. McCarthy's replacement.

Carson Wentz is coming off his worst game of the season, having thrown two interceptions and misfired on numerous passes while playing with a harness on his left shoulder. Max Brosmer has thrown just four passes in an NFL game.

The Vikings have been without quarterback J.J. McCarthy ever since he suffered an ankle injury in Week 2. With McCarthy sidelined, Carson Wentz has taken over as Minnesota's starting quarterback.

Unlike some other QBs who find themselves on the hot seat, McCarthy is neither highly paid nor sitting in the middle of a total rebuild. Instead, he’s highly drafted and surrounded by a team that is currently one QB away from competing for a Super Bowl.