The Minnesota Vikings struggled in a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, falling 28-22 in what was Carson Wentz’s so-called “revenge game.” Despite battling through pain, Wentz’s performance raised questions about the Vikings’ quarterback situation, especially regarding the absence of J.J. McCarthy.
Bill Simmons expressed skepticism about McCarthy’s ankle injury following Minnesota’s disappointing loss. On his podcast, Simmons speculated, “I watched that game. I wasn’t positive that he was hurt at any point in that game. Then they said he was, and put it this way, I don’t think Tom Brady in like 2012 was out for six weeks with this injury. And I wonder if this was a soft benching.”
Simmons isn’t alone in questioning McCarthy’s status, but prominent NFL insiders, including Dianna Russini, have dismissed these claims in previous reports. Addressing the severity of an ankle sprain for a quarterback, Simmons himself admitted, “This is this debilitating? Like you’re out for over a month? I don’t know.”
With Wentz having a rough outing against the Eagles, there’s renewed speculation that the Vikings might finally turn to McCarthy soon. So, what did Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell have to say about the quarterback situation after Week 7?
“First and foremost, I think [Wentz] competed and we’ve got to see how he comes out, healthwise, because he had to use his legs there a couple times,” O’Connell said post-game. “I know Max [Brosmer] was ready to go today and J.J. was the emergency three. But J.J. was able to get some work last week. We’ll see how he feels as well.”
O’Connell also noted that the Vikings have a short week ahead, which could complicate decision-making. “On a short week, we’re gonna put together the best plan we can and that also includes the players available to us,” he concluded.
Looking ahead, the Vikings will face the Los Angeles Chargers in a Week 8 Thursday Night Football matchup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if McCarthy gets his opportunity under center.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vikings-news-bill-simmons-speculates-j-j-mccarthys-injury-not-what-it-seems
