When Carson Wentz, the veteran quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, took the field at a press conference on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed he’d start the Thursday night clash at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, against the Los Angeles Chargers. The decision came despite the fact that the highly‑touted second‑year signal‑caller J.J. McCarthy was still nursing an ankle injury that kept him out of the short‑week Thursday game.
Depth‑Chart Decision: Why Wentz Got the Nod
O'Connell explained that the coaching staff ran a full‑blown on‑field workout for McCarthy on Wednesday, but the ankle simply wasn’t ready. “He’s just not there,” the head coach said, adding that a Sunday matchup might have bought a few more days for recovery. "If this was a Sunday game, maybe we could push it throughout the week, but this Thursday feels more like a Friday on the injury timeline."
With the Vikings sitting at a 3‑3 record in the 2024 NFL season, the stakes feel high. Wentz, now 31, will make his 99th regular‑season start and has a 2‑2 mark in his four appearances this year, including a 313‑yard, two‑interception effort in a 28‑22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on October 20.
The depth chart O'Connell laid out lists Wentz as the starter, Max Brosmer as the backup, and McCarthy as a third‑string emergency option. That arrangement underscores how thin the Vikings’ quarterback room looks after a string of injuries.
Injury Updates: McCarthy, Jones, and Wentz
McCarthy’s ankle bruised up during the Week 2 showdown with the Atlanta Falcons on September 15 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. He described the pain as “annoying” after a brief return early in the season, but the sprain has lingered longer than anyone hoped.
Meanwhile, veteran running back Aaron Jones has finally opened his 21‑day return window after landing on injured reserve with a hamstring strain in Week 3. Vikings insiders speculate Jones could slip onto the roster as early as Thursday night, giving the offense a much‑needed spark.
Wentz himself isn’t completely healthy. He suffered a shoulder issue in the Week 6 loss to the New York Jets on October 6, but the veteran shrugged it off, saying the soreness is “manageable” and won’t impact his performance against the Chargers.
Implications for the NFC North Race
The Vikings sit squarely in the middle of a brutal NFC North battle. The Detroit Lions lead at 5‑1, the Green Bay Packers trail close behind at 5‑2, and the Chicago Bears sit at 4‑2. A win in Inglewood could catapult Minnesota back into contention, narrowing the Lions' lead to a single game with eight weeks left on the schedule.
Analyst John Clayton from ESPN notes, "If the Vikings can get a quality performance from Wentz and possibly see Jones back in the backfield, they could swing the division momentum. The Chargers are a tough opponent, but Minnesota’s defense has improved in the last two weeks, holding the Lions to 10 points in Week 6."
Statistically, the Vikings rank 12th in total offense (332.5 yards per game) but 8th in red‑zone efficiency, indicating they can move the ball but sometimes stall when it matters most.
Historical Context and Season Outlook
Last season, the Vikings posted a 13‑4 record and earned a first‑round playoff berth under O'Connell’s inaugural year as head coach. The 2024 campaign, however, has felt more like a rebuilding effort after a series of offseason moves, including the free‑agency signing of Aaron Jones on March 14 and the drafting of McCarthy at No. 10 overall in 2023.
The Wilf family – owners Zygi Wilf, Mark Wilf, and Leonard Wilf – have kept the franchise’s long‑term vision focused on a Super Bowl‑worthy roster. Yet injuries at quarterback and running back have forced O'Connell to shuffle the depth chart more than once this season.
Despite the setbacks, the Vikings have shown resilience. After a close win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, they dropped three straight games before snapping the streak with a 31‑28 loss to the Falcons that, oddly enough, showcased McCarthy’s poise before his ankle went down.
Looking Ahead: Week 9 and Beyond
O'Connell hinted that McCarthy could be back for the Week 9 showdown against the Lions on Sunday, October 27 at Ford Field in Detroit. "I’m encouraged about where he’s at and looking forward to seeing his progression," the coach said.
If the Vikings manage a win in Inglewood, the bonus is a morale boost heading into a divisional clash that could very well decide the North’s postseason picture. Conversely, a loss would drop them to 3‑4, increasing the pressure on O'Connell to find a spark from his depth players.
By season’s end, the Vikings hope to finish above .500 and earn a wild‑card spot, but the window is narrowing. Every Thursday night, especially against a high‑powered team like the Chargers, feels like a do‑or‑die moment for Minnesota’s playoff aspirations.
Key Takeaways
- Carson Wentz starts Thursday; J.J. McCarthy out with ankle injury.
- Aaron Jones opens 21‑day IR window; possible return Thursday night.
- Vikings sit 3‑3; a win tightens the NFC North race.
- Coach Kevin O'Connell remains optimistic about McCarthy’s Week 9 return.
- Ownership under the Wilf family continues to push for a Super Bowl‑caliber roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Carson Wentz’s start affect the Vikings’ playoff chances?
Wentz’s experience gives Minnesota a chance to stay competitive in the NFC North. A win would bring the Vikings to 4‑3, narrowing the Lions’ lead to a single game with eight contests left, keeping the wild‑card math alive.
When is J.J. McCarthy expected back?
Coach O'Connell indicated optimism about McCarthy’s ankle and hinted he could suit up for the Week 9 clash against the Detroit Lions on October 27 at Ford Field, provided his recovery stays on track.
Can Aaron Jones play this Thursday?
The 21‑day IR window opened Tuesday, and sources say the Vikings hope to activate Jones for Thursday’s game. He’s cleared for practice, but the final decision will depend on his hamstring’s response in the coming days.
What does this game mean for the NFC North standings?
A victory would tighten the race, putting Minnesota within one game of the Lions and two behind the Packers. A loss would push the Vikings to third place, making a late‑season surge essential for any playoff hope.
How have injuries shaped the Vikings’ 2024 season so far?
Injuries to key playmakers – McCarthy’s ankle, Jones’s hamstring, and Wentz’s shoulder – have forced the coaching staff to constantly adjust the depth chart. The team’s 3‑3 record reflects both the resilience of backups and the lingering impact of missing its young quarterback.