On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that Wentz would be the starter on a short week, as McCarthy tested out his ankle in a workout and was deemed “not quite there.” The bigger issue is that Wentz also has a shoulder issue, which could limit his production in practice.

We're nearing the midway point of the 2025 NFL season, and the Minnesota Vikings may soon be on their third starting quarterback of the year. Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed as much this week, admitting undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is "an option" in the event Carson Wentz can't stay on the field as J.J. McCarthy's replacement.

It was only six weeks ago that J.J. McCarthy led the Vikings to a stirring Monday Night Football comeback victory over the Bears, seemingly building on a legend in the making with three fourth-quarter touchdowns and by asking his teammates before the rally,

Unlike some other QBs who find themselves on the hot seat, McCarthy is neither highly paid nor sitting in the middle of a total rebuild. Instead, he’s highly drafted and surrounded by a team that is currently one QB away from competing for a Super Bowl.

As the season reaches its halfway point, several teams are faced with difficult decisions regarding their QBs. Here's the breakdown.

Although McCarthy occasionally looked overwhelmed in the season-opening at Chicago, and a week later in a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, his extended absence has proven that issues holding the Vikings back go far beyond having a young signal caller at the helm.

For all we know, there's zero reason to believe the conspiracy theory that J.J. McCarthy is the subject of a "soft benching" in wake of Carson Wentz leading the Vikings to a 3-2 record while McCarthy remains sidelined with a high ankle sprain.