When Carson Wentz, the 32‑year‑old veteran quarterback, took the field for the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night, October 23, 2025, fans knew they were watching a historic moment: Wentz became the first NFL quarterback to start for six different teams in six straight seasons.
The decision fell to head coach Kevin O'Connell, announced on October 21 after starter J.J. McCarthy failed to meet the medical clearance required to play following a high‑ankle sprain suffered against the Los Angeles Rams on October 13. With just a three‑day turnaround from the Vikings’ Week 6 loss, O'Connell was forced to weigh short‑week preparation against the need for experience at the helm.
Why the Vikings Needed a Quick Fix
McCarthy, the 23‑year‑old who was drafted 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan, had shown flashes of poise but was still nursing his ankle. "JJ's just not there yet," O'Connell said at the press briefing, adding that the team would monitor his rehab closely and aim for his return by Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 3.
The short week left the Vikings with two critical questions: could the offense adjust to a new starter, and would Wentz’s veteran savvy offset the limited prep time? The answer hinged on Wentz’s unique résumé – a quarterback who has started for six different clubs, from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Kansas City Chiefs, and who has repeatedly proven he can step in on short notice.
Carson Wentz: A Six‑Team Streak
Wentz signed with Minnesota on August 24, 2025, after spending the 2024 season on the Chiefs’ bench behind Patrick Mahomes. His career trajectory reads like a road‑trip tour of the league:
- Philadelphia Eagles (2016‑2020) – led the team to a Super Bowl LII win.
- Indianapolis Colts (2021) – starter for a full season.
- Washington Commanders (2022) – provided veteran leadership.
- Los Angeles Rams (2023) – filled in for Matthew Stafford’s injury.
- Kansas City Chiefs (2024) – stepped in for Mahomes in Week 15.
- Minnesota Vikings (2025) – now on his sixth consecutive start for a new team.
His most recent notable cameo came on December 16, 2024, when he replaced an injured Mahomes against the Cleveland Browns, guiding Kansas City to a 21‑7 win. The Vikings were banking on that poise to manage a fast‑paced offense against a high‑scoring Chargers unit.
Game‑Day Details: Vikings vs. Chargers
The Thursday night showdown in Inglewood drew 68,000 fans, all eager to see how the Vikings would fare without their rookie quarterback. Early on, Wentz looked comfortable, completing 12 of 18 passes for 145 yards and a 31‑yard touchdown to Jordan Addison. Yet the Chargers, led by Justin Herbert, responded with three straight scores, exploiting Minnesota’s limited run game.
By halftime, the score read 24‑10 in favor of Los Angeles. Wentz’s second‑quarter drive stalled after a sack by defensive end Joey Bosa, and the Vikings’ offensive line showed signs of fatigue – a predictable outcome given the abbreviated preparation period.
In the second half, Wentz managed to keep the offense on the field, finishing with 257 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The final whistle blew with the Chargers up 28‑17. Post‑game, Vikings medical staff described Wentz’s night as "painful," noting he played through a lingering shoulder strain that had flared during the game.
Reactions From the Sidelines
Coach O'Connell stayed upbeat in the post‑game press conference. "We know we didn’t execute the way we wanted, but Carson gave us a chance to stay competitive on a short week," he said. "The plan was always to protect the ball, move the chains, and give our young guys confidence. He helped us do that."
Veteran wide receiver Justin Jefferson praised Wentz’s leadership, adding, "When you have someone who's been through the ups and downs of this league, you feel that calm. He’s making the right reads and keeping us in the rhythm."
Meanwhile, NFL insider Ian Rapoport argued that the Vikings made the smartest possible move given the circumstances. "Carson's experience is priceless in a short‑week scenario. Even if the result wasn't favorable, the organization avoided risking a rookie’s health and kept their playoff hopes alive," he wrote on Twitter.
What This Means For Minnesota’s Season
The loss drops the Vikings to 3‑3, putting them squarely in the NFC North battle. With McCarthy projected to return for Week 9, the team hopes to regain its early‑season momentum. Analyst John Clayton of ESPN highlighted that the Vikings' offensive line will be the key determinant of future success, noting that "protecting the quarterback, especially a veteran like Wentz, could buy McCarthy the extra reps he needs to fully heal."
In the broader NFL narrative, Wentz’s streak of six different teams underscores a growing trend: veteran quarterbacks becoming journeymen assets for clubs navigating injuries or quarterback controversies. The Vikings’ gamble reflects a league where depth at the position is increasingly prized.
Key Facts
- Carson Wentz started for the Vikings on Oct 23, 2025, marking his sixth consecutive season with a new team.
- J.J. McCarthy missed the game due to a high‑ankle sprain sustained on Oct 13 against the Rams.
- Vikings lost to the Los Angeles Chargers 28‑17 at SoFi Stadium.
- Coach Kevin O'Connell cited short‑week preparation as the primary challenge.
- McCarthy is expected to return for Week 9 vs. the Green Bay Packers on Nov 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Vikings choose Carson Wentz over a younger backup?
The team faced a short‑week after a Sunday game and needed a quarterback who could read defenses quickly. Wentz’s nine‑year starter experience offers the kind of poise and game‑management skills that a rookie like J.J. McCarthy, still rehabbing an ankle, doesn’t possess yet.
How does Wentz’s six‑team streak compare historically?
No quarterback in NFL history has started for a different franchise in six straight seasons. The record highlights a modern trend where veterans are used as stop‑gap solutions for injuries, making Wentz’s path uniquely notable.
What is the status of J.J. McCarthy’s injury?
Medical staff say McCarthy’s high‑ankle sprain is healing on schedule. They expect him to be cleared for the Week 9 matchup against the Packers, giving him roughly ten days of rehab after missing two games.
How did the Chargers exploit the Vikings’ short preparation?
Los Angeles attacked the Vikings’ interior line with quick passes and an aggressive pass rush. Defensive end Joey Bosa’s pressure forced two turnovers, and the Chargers leveraged their balanced attack to stay ahead throughout the game.
What are the Vikings’ playoff prospects after this loss?
At 3‑3, Minnesota remains in the NFC North hunt. If McCarthy returns healthy and the offensive line improves, the Vikings can still secure a wild‑card spot, especially with a favorable schedule in the final weeks.
