While the loss of Wentz hurts Minnesota’s QB depth chart, McCarthy believes he is ready for his long-awaited return.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters last week that McCarthy, who returned to practice, was not quite ready to return, but noted that if the Week 8 game was played on Sunday, he would have a shot to start.
The Vikings are on the road to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Max Brosmer, who took seven snaps in Wentz’s short outings in Weeks 5 and 8, is expected to be McCarthy’s backup going forward.
Wentz won two of his first three games when he took over for McCarthy in Week 3, keeping the Vikings afloat in the top-heavy NFC North. But back-to-back losses in the last two games have Minnesota sitting in last place in the league with a 3-4 record.
His 10th season ends with 1,216 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions with an 85.8 passer rating.
Wentz signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in August after the club traded backup Sam Howell to the Eagles. The 32-year-old’s strong play in relief allowed McCarthy to recover without rushing. Wentz momentarily righted the ship — even questioning whether he should remain the starter — but a season-ending move will instead be his destiny.