The Minnesota Vikings have announced that Carson Wentz will start as their quarterback on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. This decision comes after J.J. McCarthy, who has been dealing with a high right ankle sprain, was evaluated and deemed unprepared to play. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the decision following a morning workout session with McCarthy.
Quarterback Situation for the Vikings
Max Brosmer will serve as the backup quarterback, while McCarthy will be the emergency third option. O’Connell noted that the quick turnaround to Thursday’s game influenced the decision. “If this was a Sunday game, maybe it would be a little bit of a different story,” he mentioned.
Challenges for J.J. McCarthy
- McCarthy has been recovering from a high right ankle sprain since September 14.
- He returned to practice last week but is struggling with certain movements required for game participation.
O’Connell pointed out that McCarthy’s injury impacts his ability to make sudden movements necessary for quarterback play. “It’s been in some of the movements, the reactionary movements within the pocket,” O’Connell explained.
Carson Wentz’s Readiness
Carson Wentz, stepping into the starting role, reflected on past struggles, emphasizing the need for better execution. He acknowledged penalized plays that hampered the team’s performance in previous games. “I don’t think we handled it our best down there,” Wentz stated.
Moving Forward
The Vikings will look for improved performance against the Chargers with Wentz at the helm. As the team evolves, the coaching staff remains focused on McCarthy’s recovery and future contributions.
