Vikings holding off on long-term QB decision with Carson Wentz to start on Sunday vs. Eagles
Wentz signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in August after the Vikings traded backup Sam Howell to the Eagles. Wentz has achieved a 100 passer rating in two of his three starts this season, throwing for 759 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions in relief duty.
McCarthy returned to practice on Monday, nearly a month after suffering an ankle sprain, which he described to reporters as “troubling.” McCarthy participated in practice on a limited basis throughout the week and was listed as questionable for Week 7 on Friday’s injury report.
Some players with injuries like McCarthy’s have returned to the field after three or four weeks, but others take longer.
McCarthy also spent three days during the bye week working individually with O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown to accelerate his progress.
After being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week following the season opener, McCarthy missed Week 2’s practice session due to the birth of his son. He then suffered an ankle injury, which prevented him from having much time to practice and develop.
O’Connell said last week, “I didn’t even realize [it] until we were together — he had only practiced once since leaving Chicago.”
Remember, O’Connell is a coach who said on The Rich Eisen Show last year, “I believe organizations fail young quarterbacks before they fail organizations.”
So, why put McCarthy on the field when he’s not yet ready health-wise?
It seems the whole world wants the Vikings to make a decision on their quarterback’s future, while Minnesota is more focused on McCarthy’s development and preparation — especially since he didn’t play as a rookie after suffering a knee injury in preseason.
If Wentz wins this week, would it be fair to replace him as the starter with a healthy McCarthy? Coaches often play fast and loose.
If that’s the case, McCarthy will simply wait and learn, while also getting in some good practice.
Meanwhile, the Vikings will take the field on Sunday and try to win a football game with Wentz starting.