The Minnesota Vikings have spent the last two weeks across the Atlantic, but J.J. McCarthy’s extended European trip has been anything but a holiday. The team’s second-year quarterback missed last Sunday’s matchup in Dublin and now, with his ankle injury still not healing as hoped, he’s set to miss another crucial game, this time in London.
Carson Wentz will once again take the reins under center when Minnesota faces the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, a move that has both strategic logic and long-term implications for the team’s season.
Is Carson Wentz Taking Over While McCarthy’s Recovery Continues?
Head coach Kevin O’Connell had expressed optimism earlier this week that McCarthy might return to practice by Thursday or Friday, but that hope quickly evaporated.
The young signal-caller remained a non-participant on both days, and by Thursday afternoon, the decision was effectively made.
“Carson Wentz will start for the Vikings in London vs. the #Browns on Sunday,” reported Browns insider Brad Stainbrook. “Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy still isn’t ready and hasn’t practiced this week. Now officially out.”
Carson Wentz will start for the Vikings in London vs. the #Browns on Sunday, per a league source.
Rookie QB JJ McCarthy still isn’t ready and hasn’t practiced this week. Now officially out.
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) October 2, 2025
It’s a setback for Minnesota’s first-round pick, who showed flashes of promise, most notably leading a fourth-quarter comeback in the season opener, but has struggled to find a consistent rhythm. McCarthy went 1-1 through two starts before suffering the ankle injury that has now sidelined him for consecutive games.
Wentz Has Been a Steady Hand
Fortunately for the Vikings, their veteran backup has done exactly what was asked of him. Wentz, who is 17th in PFSN’s QBi ranking, guided the team to a win over the Cincinnati Bengals in his first start and came close in a narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Efficient and composed, he’s given the offense enough stability to remain competitive despite the QB shuffle.
At 2-2, Minnesota still finds itself in decent shape as they look to climb above .500 before the bye. And they might not need a heroic performance from Wentz this Sunday either.
A Favorable Matchup Against a Shaky Browns Offense
The Browns arrive in London, dealing with quarterback issues of their own. After leaning on 40-year-old Joe Flacco for the first month of the season, they’re now turning to rookie Dillon Gabriel, who will be making his first career NFL start against a Vikings defense that has been steadily improving.
That mismatch plays into Minnesota’s favor. With McCarthy unavailable, Wentz doesn’t need to light up the scoreboard. He just needs to manage the game efficiently while the defense takes advantage of Gabriel’s inexperience.
Why This Decision Matters
While McCarthy’s absence is far from ideal, the timing could actually work in Minnesota’s favor. A bye week follows the London game, giving the young quarterback additional time to recover without missing another start. If all goes well, the 2024 first-rounder could return in Week 7, healthier and ready to resume his development.
Until then, the Vikings’ playoff hopes rest in the hands of a veteran who’s been in this situation before, and so far, he’s proving to be exactly what they need.
