The coach also declined to name a starting quarterback on Monday, discussing J.J. McCarthy’s injury recovery and stating that he would assess the health of both passers near the end of the week.

McCarthy’s is the team’s QB1, so for O’Connell not to announce him as the starter tends to hint at another start for Wentz, albeit tentatively.

The History in Philadelphia

Once upon a time — without exaggeration — Wentz was the next big thing in Philadelphia and the NFL. He certifiably had stake in the 2017 MVP race before a season-ending knee injury ruined everything. And while Wentz would regain his starting job the following season — after the Eagles won the Super Bowl without him, defeating Minnesota in the 2017 NFC Championship along the way — he never returned to that peak 2017 form.

The Eagles’ brass evidently noticed, and within three years of the injury, it shockingly picked Jalen Hurts on draft night 2020, signaling the beginning of the end for Wentz in Philadelphia.

Of course, general manager Howie Roseman was vindicated last year, as the Eagles won the chip with Hurts. Wentz has remained a backup passer in the last couple of seasons with this resume to boot:

• Philadelphia Eagles (2016–2020)
• Indianapolis Colts (2021)
• Washington Commanders (2022)
• Los Angeles Rams (2023)
• Kansas City Chiefs (2024)
• Minnesota Vikings (2025–present)

Wentz even reached his only Pro Bowl in 2017. He earned a Super Bowl ring, though he didn’t play in that game against the dynastic New England Patriots. Nick Foles did the deed.

Wentz Has Already Lost Once to PHI

For curious minds, this isn’t the first time Wentz has faced the Eagles as a member of the other team. It’s the second chapter in the revenge story.

On September 25, 2022, as the QB1 of the Washington Commanders, Wentz started under center at home against Philadelphia, and his team lost 24-8. He went 25 for 43 with 211 passing yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. Wentz was also notably sacked 9 times — yes, 9 — so he will hope that the second revenge act is markedly different from the first.

injury reports and practice dealings in the meantime.

The Athletic on Wentz, McCarthy

Alec Lewis of The Athletic waded into the quarterback mystery this week and opined, “The bye week allowed O’Connell hands-on time with McCarthy to review many of the core teaching points. O’Connell described it as ‘building that foundation back up.’”

“But even if the Vikings can fine-tune McCarthy on the practice field, what is the guarantee that the foundation will remain solid in live game action with pass rushers closing in on him, the crowd roaring and defensive backs disguising their coverage? Furthermore, if the Vikings decide that McCarthy needs more time, can Wentz stay healthy enough to make it work? Wentz is still managing a serious left shoulder injury.”

The Eagles are a 1.5-point favorite to take down the Vikings, a spread that has narrowed by two points in the last two days.

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