The (3-2) Minnesota Vikings host the (4-2) Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium for Week 7 of the regular season. The team is coming off a much-needed BYE, which gave players extra time to rest and recover from injuries. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Vikings entering the week is who will start at quarterback, with a former first-round pick getting closer to a return.
The Minnesota Vikings have a quarterback dilemma
Minnesota Vikings
Aug 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell walks to the field against the Tennessee Titan during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
J.J. McCarthy began the year as the starting quarterback but struggled, throwing for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions with a 1-1 record before missing the previous three games with a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 2. Carson Wentz took over in that span, throwing for 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions with a 2-1 record, but suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5. Both players practiced this week; McCarthy is questionable, while Wentz doesn’t carry an official injury designation.
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Minnesota Vikings reveal the starting quarterback for Week 7
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Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) walks off the field after their win against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports on Thursday Night, the plan was for Carson Wentz to start against the Philadelphia Eagles. During Friday’s press conference, Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Wentz will start against his former team, per Ian Rapoport. Meanwhile, Max Brosmer will serve as the backup, and J.J. McCarthy as the emergency third QB.
#Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell announces that QB Carson Wentz will start vs. the #Eagles. Revenge game for Wentz.
JJ McCarthy is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain and will be the emergency third QB. pic.twitter.com/jbXhRrx2r5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2025
Fans react to the news
Minnesota Vikings
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans react during the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The revenge game nobody wanted.
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) October 17, 2025
Might be Wentz last week starting
— Matthew Gibson (@ModernFootball0) October 17, 2025
I don’t know why this gets a revenge game narrative attached to it. Do people not realize we played against this guy 3 yrs ago?
— Ben Wieczorek (@BenWieczorek) October 17, 2025
KOC has no faith in JJ. This must be the worst ankle sprain in the history of mankind.
— Kevin Cohen (@CosmoCohen) October 17, 2025
Former Eagle with unfinished business.
— Ahmad Aziz (@pakistan_proudi) October 17, 2025
As soon as Wentz has a bad game all of a sudden JJ will be healthy 😂
— Emeka Okonkwo (@emekasports) October 17, 2025
Shouldn’t have let Darnold go, don’t make the same mistake with Wentz
— Houdini Swap (@HoudiniSwap) October 17, 2025
Translation: JJ isn’t good so we’re going to push this one back as long as we can
— Chruff (@Chruffman) October 17, 2025
JJ has played 2 games in 2 years…he is supposed to be the franchise QB
— RanCopped09 (@Rancopped9) October 17, 2025
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