Wentz signed a one-year contract with Minnesota in August after the Vikings traded backup Sam Howell to the Eagles. Wentz has eclipsed a 100 passer rating in two of his three starts this season, throwing for 759 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions in relief.
McCarthy returned to practice Monday, about a month after suffering a sprained ankle that he described to reporters as “annoying.” McCarthy participated in limited practice throughout the week and was listed as questionable for Week 7 on Friday’s injury report.
Some injured players like McCarthy’s have returned to the field after three or four weeks, but it takes longer for others.
McCarthy also spent three days during the bye week working one-on-one with O’Connell and QB coach Josh McCown, aiming to accelerate his progress.
After being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week following the season opener, McCarthy missed a Week 2 practice due to the birth of his son. He then injured his ankle, preventing him from spending more time on training and development.
“[It] “He didn’t even hit me until we were there (together) – he had practiced once since we left Chicago,” O’Connell said last week.
Keep in mind that O’Connell is a coach who said last year on The Rich Eisen Show“I believe organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations.”
So why put McCarthy on the field when he’s not there yet health-wise?
It seems like the whole world wants the Vikings to make a decision on their QB, while Minnesota is more focused on McCarthy’s development and when he’ll be ready — especially because he didn’t play as a rookie after suffering a knee injury in preseason.
If Wentz wins this week, would it make sense to remove him as the starter for a healthy McCarthy? Coaches often roll with the hot hand.
If that’s the case, McCarthy would simply wait and learn, while getting quality practice time.
Meanwhile, the Vikings will come out Sunday and try to win a football game with Wentz as the starter.
