O’Connell noted that if the Vikings played Sunday, McCarthy could have a shot to start, but he’s “just not there yet.” The implication of the comments is that McCarthy could be ready to go in Week 9 in Detroit.
The former No. 10, who missed his rookie campaign with a preseason knee injury, suffered the injury in a Week 2 loss to Atlanta. Last week McCarthy described the ankle injury as “frustrating”.
That irritation continues.
In the meantime, Wentz, who is also dealing with a shoulder injury, has gone 2-2 as the Vikings’ starter, including Sunday’s 28-22 loss to Philadelphia. Against his former team, Wentz completed 26 of 42 passes for 313 yards and two interceptions. In particular, he struggled in the first half under pressure, throwing a pick-six pass, a crucial pass return out of bounds for an 8-yard loss and another interception.
The veteran signal caller will get another chance to get back in the win column Thursday against the 4-3 Chargers as the Vikings try to stay within striking distance in a heated NFC playoff race.
Minnesota’s running game could get a boost soon, as the Vikings open the 21-day window for quarterback Aaron Jones, who has been on IR since Week 3 with a hamstring injury. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero indicated that Jones could potentially return as soon as Thursday night.