When Carson Wentz, quarterback of Minnesota Vikings reported a full‑practice participation on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the franchise finally felt it could field a veteran for the Week 8 showdown at SoFi Stadium. The news came from The Fantasy Footballers and set the stage for a Thursday night clash against the Los Angeles Chargers. What followed was a gritty, bruised performance that ended in a Vikings loss, leaving the team 3‑4 on the season and sparking a fresh wave of debate about its QB carousel.
Practice Report and Injury Backdrop
In the Eagan training complex, head coach Kevin O'Connell ran a standard three‑hour session under the watchful eyes of offensive coordinator Wes Phillips and quarterbacks coach Chris Olave. Wentz moved through drills without crutches, but a subtle limp hinted at lingering discomfort from a shoulder issue that would flare later that night.
That shoulder pain traces back to a sack in the third quarter of the Chargers game, when linebacker Joey Bosa drove into Wentz's left side, forcing the veteran into a brace. The injury was confirmed by Minnesota Public Radio, which described the moment as “a painful night for Wentz, his left shoulder in a brace and his right arm seemingly out of magic.”
Game Recap: Numbers, Missed Opportunities, and the Final Score
The Thursday night contest unfolded under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with referee Brad Allen officiating. Wentz threw for 198 yards, completing 18 of 32 attempts – a 56.3 % completion rate. The stat line reads: zero touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 54.6. The Vikings amassed just 247 total offensive yards and left the red zone empty on three separate trips.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, paced the game with 24 points, capitalising on a 70‑yard drive early in the second quarter and sealing the win with a late field goal. The final scoreboard read 24‑10 in favour of the Chargers, pushing Minnesota’s record to 3‑4 and lifting the Chargers to 5‑2.
What made the loss sting was the timing. Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy had been sidelined after spraining his ankle against Detroit on October 19. The Vikings had hoped the veteran would keep the offense afloat while McCarthy recuperated, but the shoulder issue left Wentz playing at a reduced capacity for the last half.
Fan and Media Reaction: Calls for a Rookie Turnover
Social media erupted after the game. The Spun ran a headline, “Vikings Put On Blast For Carson Wentz Decision vs. Chargers,” quoting fans who wanted rookie Max Brosmer to replace the veteran. Brosmer, a sixth‑round pick from the University of New Hampshire, has yet to see meaningful snaps, but many argued his mobility could have unlocked a stagnant offense.
Veteran analysts offered a more measured view. Former NFL scout Dan Sabo noted, “Wentz’s contract is structured to reward snap count. He hit the 50 % threshold early, triggering a $1 million incentive. The Vikings are paying for his experience, but the shoulder jam exposed a lack of depth at the position.”
Meanwhile, the Vikings’ front office stood by their decision. In a brief press conference, general manager Zygi Wilf (principal owner) said the team “will continue to evaluate all options as J.J. recovers and as we assess Carson’s health post‑MRI.”
Medical Update and Week 9 Outlook
Following the Thursday loss, the Vikings announced on Friday that Wentz would undergo an MRI at Minneapolis Clinic of Neurosurgery. Results are expected by Saturday, October 25, and will determine whether the veteran can practice without restrictions for the next week.
McCarthy’s ankle is also under close observation. The medical staff, led by team physician Dr. David Fischer, expects the younger QB to join limited‑capacity drills on Tuesday, October 28, as the Vikings prepare for a Week 9 clash against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
If McCarthy returns to full speed, the Vikings could swing back to a two‑QB rotation, giving the coaching staff flexibility to use Wentz in short‑yardage or red‑zone packages while preserving the rookie for longer drives. Should the MRI reveal a lingering tear, the team may be forced to lean more heavily on Brosmer, a scenario that could reshape the roster heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Quarterback Carousel: A Continuing Narrative
Since Kirk Cousins departed in 2024, Minnesota has been chasing a stable signal‑caller. The franchise invested a first‑round pick in McCarthy in 2024, hoping he would become the long‑term answer. Injuries, however, have forced the Vikings to sign veterans like Wentz on a one‑year, $5 million contract (with $2.5 million guaranteed) on March 15, 2025, after his release from the Washington Commanders.
That deal includes a performance bonus tied to snap count – a clause that now looks like a double‑edged sword. While it financially rewards Wentz for playing the majority of offensive snaps, it also incentivises the coaching staff to keep him on the field, even when a shoulder brace limits his effectiveness.
Looking ahead, the next few weeks could determine whether Minnesota finally finds a permanent starter or continues to shuffle between veterans and rookies. The outcome will affect not only the bottom line of the franchise but also the morale of a fanbase that has grown restless after three straight road defeats to AFC West teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Carson Wentz’s shoulder injury affect the Vikings’ Week 9 game plan?
If the MRI shows only minor damage, Wentz could still play but likely in a limited, short‑yardage role. The coaching staff would rely on J.J. McCarthy for most passing duties, using Wentz’s experience in red‑zone situations to keep the defense honest.
Will Max Brosmer see playing time against Seattle?
Brosmer remains on the depth chart as the third‑string quarterback. He could be called upon if both Wentz and McCarthy are limited, but the Vikings have indicated they prefer to protect the rookie and will likely keep him in a developmental role for now.
What does the loss mean for the Vikings’ playoff hopes?
Dropping to 3‑4 puts Minnesota behind the NFC North leaders, but a healthy McCarthy could spark a winning streak. The team still controls its destiny, needing at least five wins in the remaining nine games to stay in contention.
How did the Chargers capitalize on the Vikings’ struggles?
Los Angeles leveraged a balanced attack, mixing quick passes with a strong running game that kept the Vikings’ defense on the field. Defensive pressure, highlighted by Joey Bosa’s sack, forced Wentz into his shoulder injury and disrupted the Vikings’ rhythm.
When is J.J. McCarthy expected to return to full practice?
Team officials have scheduled limited drills for McCarthy on Tuesday, October 28, with a full‑practice schedule anticipated by the following week, provided his ankle continues to heal without setbacks.
