The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. Justin Herbert has been the starting quarterback for the Chargers in every game this year, but the Vikings have been dealing with an injury to their starter.
Carson Wentz has been filling in for J.J. McCarthy since he suffered an ankle injury back in Week 2, but both quarterbacks will be on the roster for tonight’s game. Here’s how their quarterback depth chart will be handled this week.
Vikings QB Depth Chart for Week 8 vs. Chargers on TNF
Head coach Kevin O’Connell recently made the official announcement that Carson Wentz will be the starting quarterback when the team faces off against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football. J.J.
McCarthy appeared to have a chance of making his return in Week 8 after logging three limited practice sessions, but he will have to wait at least one more week to potentially regain his role as the starter.
McCarthy will not be inactive for this game as O’Connell also announced that he will serve as the emergency third quarterback this week. Max Brosmer will back up Wentz, but if both of them are injured and unable to return, McCarthy will be eligible to get back onto the field.
Wentz is officially set to make his fifth start and has earned a 2-2 record across the past four weeks. His performances have been mixed with five touchdowns and four interceptions, but he is coming off his worst game with the Vikings. He threw two interceptions and no touchdowns in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
McCarthy similarly struggled in his two starts this season, turning in just three total touchdowns and three interceptions with a 1-1 record. Injuries have been a major problem in his young career as he missed all of last season in his rookie year. His presence is likely why they moved on from Sam Darnold during the offseason, but his health has limited his availability.
The second-year quarterback would appear to have an opportunity to return next week, especially considering his increased practice activity. He is expected to replace Wentz as the starter whenever he is healthy enough to do so, which would theoretically move Brosmer into the emergency third quarterback role. Wentz remains on top of the Vikings depth chart for now, but this could be his last week in this position.
