The Minnesota Vikings are set to face the Cleveland Browns in London, England, this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET, but they’ll be without their top quarterback, JJ McCarthy, as they make a critical decision at the helm. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that Carson Wentz will start for the third consecutive game, stepping in for the injured McCarthy, who continues to battle a high ankle sprain sustained during a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been sidelined since missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery. Despite hopes that McCarthy would return to practice this week, O’Connell indicated on Tuesday that the rookie quarterback’s recovery is progressing slower than anticipated. “My hope is … maybe not necessarily early on — we’re going to handle Wednesday, probably in a unique way, from what could be a hybrid day, but as we get into Thursday and Friday, I’m hoping we can at least get him out there and get him taking some drops and starting to get back in the normal rhythm of the practice week,” O’Connell said. For now, the Vikings are sticking with Wentz, a gamble that could define their Week 5 performance.
Wentz, a seasoned veteran drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, has shown flashes of brilliance in his two starts this season. Accumulating 523 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, Wentz has leaned on a quick passing game to keep the Vikings’ offense afloat. In his Week 3 start against the Cincinnati Bengals, 60.0% of his pass attempts were quick passes, resulting in 9 of 12 completions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. The following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wentz excelled targeting outside the hashes, completing 25 of 30 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns, per Next Gen Stats.
Facing the Browns’ formidable run defense, the Vikings are likely to continue this quick-pass strategy to counter Cleveland’s front. The Browns boast a fierce pass rush led by Myles Garrett, who can dominate from any position on the right side, alongside defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Mason Graham, who can disrupt the interior. Minnesota’s offensive line may also be shorthanded, with potential absences of right tackle Brian O’Neill, guard Donovan Jackson, and center Ryan Kelly, making Wentz’s quick decision-making even more critical.
The Browns will aim to exploit this vulnerability, pressuring Wentz to force turnovers. In four career games against Cleveland, Wentz has a 2-2 record, throwing for 676 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. This history suggests a mixed bag, and the Browns’ defense will look to tip the scales in their favor by capitalizing on any mistakes.
As the Vikings roll the dice with Wentz under center, this transatlantic showdown promises to be a test of strategy and execution. Will Minnesota’s quick-passing approach outmaneuver Cleveland’s aggressive defense, or will the Browns’ pass rush overwhelm the Vikings’ depleted line? Fans will be watching closely as the Vikings take a bold gamble in Week 5.