You make a solid point — the practice report certainly leans toward the idea that Carson Wentz may get the nod again. But with JJ McCarthy only limited, and Wentz a full participant, the decision isn’t strictly obvious yet. Let’s walk through what the situation suggests, weigh the pros and cons, and project how this might play out against the Eagles.
From the reports, Wentz fully participated in Wednesday’s practice, while McCarthy was limited. That, in itself, is meaningful. In most NFL teams, full participation is a strong signal that the player is healthy enough to start, or at least be seriously considered. Conversely, a limited designation for McCarthy suggests that he’s still recovering — that his ankle is not yet fully reliable for all the demands of game-day#Head coach Kevin O’Connell has emphasized caution with McCarthy’s rehab, noting that they want to let the high ankle fully heal. (NFL.com)
Wentz is technically dealing with a shoulder issue (on his non‑throwing shoulder), but it seems not yet serious enough to keep him out of full practice. (vikings.com) The fact that he cleared a full participation status while McCarthy could not is telling. It suggests Wentz is still a more stable, reliable option — especially given the urgency of facing a strong Eagles defense.
Another factor: Wentz has already started in McCarthy’s stead earlier in the season, going 2–1 in his three appearances, and putting up a passer rating of 99.5. (Vikings Territory) That provides a baseline of trust. McCarthy, as a younger, less proven quarterback—especially one recovering from injury—has more uncertainty attached to him. Wentz’s experience gives the coaching staff more confidence he can manage the game, avoid turnovers, make sound decisions under pressure, and execute the quick passing game more reliably.
Against a defense like Philadelphia’s, which can be aggressive and bring pressure, the ability to make quick reads — and deliver on schedule — is critical. One of the arguments in favor of Wentz is exactly that: in a matchup with a top-tier pass defense, minimizing mistakes, reading pre‑snap and post‑snap movements properly, and keeping the offense on schedule are all premium traits. (Vikings Territory) The last thing Minnesota will want is a raw quarterback getting rattled or making errors under duress.
On the flip side, McCarthy brings youth, mobility, and potential upside. If his ankle is stable, his ability to extend plays and scramble could open up the offense and put pressure back on the Eagles. But the current “limited” practice designation suggests that he’s not yet 100 percent — being held back in certain drills, perhaps not running full-speed, or being cautious with lateral cuts or sudden change-of-direction movements.
Also, we should consider that this would be Wentz’s second start against the Eagles (if he indeed starts). He’s had more time in the league, has prior experience against Philly (including as the former Eagle), and may have extra motivation. Media reports specifically point out that if McCarthy isn’t fully ready, Wentz could be the choice again. (Inquirer.com) That gives the coaching staff both a practical fallback and a storyline they likely dislike — but may have to embrace.
It is worth noting, however, that no official decision has been announced. O’Connell said he doesn’t want the QB decision to linger all week, but he also won’t confirm until just before game time. (vikings.com) Teams often withhold that for strategic reasons, but given the injury concerns, they’re probably watching McCarthy’s practice reps, how he manages pain, how consistent his throwing motion looks, how much mobility he shows, and how ready he is mentally.
One wrinkle: Wentz’s shoulder. Even though it’s his non-throwing shoulder, if that gets aggravated, it could affect his ability to absorb hits, brace in the pocket, or even take harder hits when scrambling. That said, the fact he was cleared for full participation is a positive signal that the team thinks it’s manageable. And compared to McCarthy’s uncertain high-ankle sprain, Wentz’s issue seems less limiting in terms of movement.
Another factor is continuity. Wentz has already stepped in and led the offense in McCarthy’s absence. That gives him a bit of a head start in chemistry, rhythm, and decision-making under game conditions. For a midweek decision, that can be a tiebreaker. He’s not fresh; he’s been in it. Coaches often prefer that over trying to ramp up a younger player emerging from injury.
One concern—if McCarthy is given a chance, and the injury still lingers, he may be limited in his ability to scramble or plant, which limits his options. If contact is forced, or the pocket collapses, McCarthy might be more vulnerable to injury or forced errors. If you deploy Wentz, you limit that risk. In a home game, where you want a steady hand rather than a gamble, that likely leans toward Wentz.
From a motivational and media angle, Wentz facing his former team, the Eagles, adds another dimension. That could be a motivating factor internally — a veteran out to prove he still belongs, particularly in front of fans who once saw him as their quarterback. That may not determine the choice, but for a coaching staff weighing between two imperfect options, the extra incentive can matter.
So putting together all these threads: Wentz fully participated, McCarthy was limited; Wentz has a more reliable injury profile right now; Wentz has experience, a track record already this season; McCarthy is still healing and has more variables when pushed; and in a game that demands consistency, Wentz looks more like the safer bet.
My projection: Wentz will probably be named the starter for the Week 7 game against Philly, barring a late setback from McCarthy in practice or a surprising burst of readiness. It seems more likely than not, given current indicators. The staff will monitor McCarthy’s reps, and if he shows believable strength, mobility, and control late in the week, they may still go with him. But unless McCarthy earns it, Wentz looks like the frontrunner.
If you like, I can monitor updates later in the week, check for the official starter decision, and compare how both QBs fare historically in this matchup. Do you want me to do that?
