Vikings QB Carson Wentz Out for Season With Shoulder Injury — J.J. McCarthy to Start vs. Lions

The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve following a severe shoulder injury sustained earlier this month. Wentz, 32, is set to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum and fractured socket in his non-throwing shoulder, according to multiple reports. The injury, originally suffered during the team’s October 5 game against the Cleveland Browns in London, worsened during last Thursday’s 37–10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

With Wentz sidelined, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to return from an ankle sprain and start Sunday against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

Vikings QB Carson Wentz was placed on injured reserve on October 27, 2025, following a torn labrum and fractured shoulder socket sustained in a Week 5 game against the Browns in London. The injury worsened during the team’s Week 8 loss to the Chargers, prompting the decision for season-ending surgery. Wentz had been playing through pain for several weeks, wearing a shoulder brace and visibly grimacing during games. His absence opens the door for J.J. McCarthy, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain and is expected to start in Week 9 against the Lions.

Injury Timeline and Performance

• Injury occurred: October 5 vs. Browns (London)
• Final game played: October 23 vs. Chargers
• Surgery: Scheduled for early November
• Season stats: 1,216 passing yards, 6 TDs, 5 INTs in 5 starts
• Contract: One-year deal signed before Week 1

Wentz’s injury marks the third consecutive season the Vikings have lost a starting QB before Week 9, following Kirk Cousins (Achilles, 2023) and McCarthy (meniscus, 2024).

Quotes and Reactions

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said:

“He said he was good and wanted to keep going. It did seem like he was in pain there a couple of times.”

Amazon Prime analyst Kirk Herbstreit commented on Wentz’s visible frustration:

“Try to hold some of that emotion in.”

NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Dianna Russini confirmed the extent of the injury and the Vikings’ plan to start McCarthy in Week 9.

Team Outlook and Depth Chart

The Vikings enter Week 9 with a 3–4 record, sitting last in the NFC North. McCarthy, who was drafted No. 10 overall in 2024, has played in only two regular-season games due to injury. His return will be critical as the team attempts to rebound and stay in playoff contention.

Behind McCarthy, rookie Max Brosmer will serve as backup. The team may explore adding a third quarterback to the roster in the coming days.

What’s Next: Week 9 Matchup and Recovery Timeline

• Next game: Sunday, November 2 vs. Detroit Lions at Ford Field
• Kickoff: 1 PM ET on FOX
• McCarthy status: Practiced Monday, expected to start
• Wentz recovery: Surgery pending, expected to miss remainder of season

The Vikings will monitor McCarthy’s health closely as they navigate the second half of the season and aim for a postseason berth.