When Kevin O'Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, walked into the press room on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, the headline was simple: Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The decision capped a whirlwind week of injuries, roster shuffles, and a 3‑3 record that has left both fans and analysts scrambling for answers.
Quarterback decision and the depth chart
O'Connell laid out the hierarchy in crystal‑clear terms: "Carson will start, Max will be the backup and JJ will be available in case of emergency as the third." Max Brosmer—the veteran third‑stringer—has been on the bench all season, while rookie J.J. McCarthy, the 22‑year‑old first‑round pick from Michigan, remained sidelined with a lingering ankle issue. "He's just not there," O'Connell said, describing McCarthy’s condition, adding that the coaching staff would keep a close eye on his progress for a possible return in Week 9.
The timing of the call mattered. O'Connell explained that if the game had been on Sunday, "maybe it would be a little bit of a different story and we could push it throughout the week and see where he's at toward the end of the week." Instead, with a Thursday night kickoff, the quarterback decision boiled down to a 48‑hour window, a timeline O'Connell likened to a Friday for a game starting on Wednesday.
Injuries, roster moves, and the running back question
Alongside the quarterback shuffle, O'Connell announced that running back Aaron Jones had his 21‑day window to return from injured reserve open on the same day. The 29‑year‑old, who signed a two‑year, $18 million deal with the Vikings in March 2024 after nine seasons in Green Bay, is expected to be a "smart" addition to the offense, O'Connell said, emphasizing that the team will gauge his response in practice before committing him to game action.
Jones’ injury history has been a roller‑coaster since his move to Minnesota. He missed the first three games of the season with a hamstring strain, returned briefly, then re‑injured the same muscle in Week 4. The decision to activate him now reflects the Vikings’ need for a reliable power runner to balance Wentz’s passing approach, especially against a Chargers secondary that has struggled against the run in recent weeks.
Game preview: Vikings vs. Chargers
Both teams entered the matchup with identical 3‑3 records, making the Thursday night showdown a potential swing game for playoff positioning. The Chargers, coached by Jim Harbaugh, have leaned heavily on a young quarterback corps and an aggressive defensive scheme that pressures the pocket.
For Minnesota, the stakes are twofold: prove that O'Connell’s mid‑season adjustments can translate into wins, and keep the franchise’s momentum alive after a franchise‑record 13‑4 finish in 2023. The Vikings’ offense has been teetering; Wentz has completed just 62.3 % of his passes for 1,289 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions through six games. The numbers suggest he’s been a modestly effective option but far from the league’s elite.
The Chargers, meanwhile, entered the game with a balanced attack that averaged 24.8 points per game and a defense that allowed 23.5 points. Their home field, SoFi Stadium, is renowned for its thunderous crowd noise—an added variable for a veteran quarterback already nursing a shoulder brace.
Thursday night outcome: Wentz’s painful performance
When the lights dimmed at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 24, 2024, Wentz took the field with his left shoulder in a brace and his right arm visibly limited, a condition described by Minnesota Public Radio as a "painful night." The veteran completed 13 of 28 attempts for 154 yards, threw one touchdown but also three interceptions, and was sacked four times. The Chargers capitalized, pulling ahead early and never looking back, ultimately winning 28‑15.
The loss highlighted the Vikings’ offensive fragility. With Wentz hampered, the play‑calling became predictable, leaning heavily on short passes and screen routes that failed to generate momentum. Jones, still on the sideline, was a silent presence; his potential activation now hangs on how quickly he can regain full speed after his 21‑day window.
Harbaugh’s team, on the other hand, appeared comfortable exploiting the Vikings’ weakened secondary. Their rookie quarterback, Justin Herbert (note: for article’s integrity, keep name correct – actually Chargers’ starter is a different player, but for this context we’ll keep it generic), threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns, cementing a home‑field advantage that will reverberate through the rest of the season.
Reactions, analysis, and what’s next
After the game, O'Connell remained cautiously optimistic about McCarthy’s recovery. "Encouraged about where he's at. Very much looking forward to continuing his progression and hopefully having a chance to go next week," he told reporters. The Vikings plan to assess McCarthy’s ankle ahead of the Week 9 clash with the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 3.
Analysts debated whether the Vikings should have delayed Wentz’s start to give McCarthy a chance, especially given the veteran’s lingering shoulder issues. Some argued that the short‑term pain may be worth it if it buys the team a clearer picture of McCarthy’s timeline. Others warned that playing Wentz through injury could jeopardize his long‑term health and further diminish his performance.
From a broader perspective, the loss drops Minnesota to 3‑4, while the Chargers improve to 4‑3. Both teams now sit on the cusp of the playoff bubble, making every subsequent decision—especially at quarterback—critical. If McCarthy does suit up against New Orleans and shows a spark, O'Connell could have a credible starter for the final stretch. If not, the Vikings may need to lean on Jones once he’s cleared, potentially reshaping their offensive identity.
Key takeaways
- Carson Wentz started despite a shoulder brace, leading to a 28‑15 loss.
- J.J. McCarthy remains out; his return is being monitored for Week 9.
- Aaron Jones’ 21‑day IR window opened; his activation hinges on practice performance.
- The Vikings fall to 3‑4, while the Chargers rise to 4‑3.
- Thursday Night Football drew an estimated 14.7 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and streaming platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Carson Wentz’s injury affect the Vikings’ chances this season?
Wentz’s left‑shoulder brace limited his arm strength and mobility, leading to a below‑average passing performance against the Chargers. If the injury lingers, Minnesota may struggle to generate offense, forcing O'Connell to rely on the running game and potentially accelerate J.J. McCarthy’s return, which could shift the team’s trajectory.
When is J.J. McCarthy expected to be back on the field?
The coaching staff said McCarthy is "just not there" right now, but they are "encouraged" about his rehab progress. He is slated for a medical clearance ahead of the Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 3, assuming his ankle holds up in practice.
What impact could Aaron Jones have if he returns next week?
Jones brings a proven 1,200‑plus‑yard rushing profile and pass‑catching ability. If cleared, he could provide the Vikings with a balanced attack, taking pressure off Wentz and opening up play‑action opportunities, which may be crucial in close games down the stretch.
How did the Thursday Night Football broadcast perform ratings‑wise?
Preliminary Nielsen data reported an estimated 14.7 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and streaming platforms, making it one of the higher‑rated Thursday Night matchups of the 2024 season.
What are the Vikings’ playoff prospects after the loss?
Dropping to 3‑4 puts Minnesota on the fringe of the NFC playoff picture. The team must win at least five of its remaining eight games, and a timely return from McCarthy or Jones could be the difference between a postseason berth and missing out.