Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell Explains Decision to Keep Injured Carson Wentz in Game vs. Chargers

In the Minnesota Vikings’ 37–10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, quarterback Carson Wentz played through significant discomfort due to a left shoulder injury. Despite visible signs of pain and multiple hits—including five sacks and eight quarterback pressures—Wentz remained in the game until the fourth quarter, when rookie Max Brosmer took over.

Why Didn’t the Vikings Pull Wentz Earlier?

Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the decision postgame, explaining that Wentz, a veteran quarterback, insisted he was capable of continuing. “We kept on checking in with Carson,” O’Connell said. “He was sore going into it, but every time I asked, he said he was good and wanted to keep going.”

O’Connell also considered inserting Brosmer earlier but ultimately chose to wait. “It’s difficult to ask a rookie to go in there for his first performance and have to weather it a little bit for the group,” O’Connell noted. “We have confidence in Max, but we also didn’t want to put him in a tough spot too early.”

Wentz’s Perspective

Wentz, for his part, downplayed the impact of the injury on his performance. “I don’t think throwing-wise it affected me,” he said. “Thankfully, you don’t need your left shoulder all that much to throw the football. So mechanically, I felt like I could do everything I needed to do.”

Looking Ahead

With the Vikings now on a two-game losing streak, attention turns to Week 9, when they face the Detroit Lions. O’Connell indicated that if first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is healthy, he will start at quarterback. McCarthy, who has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a high ankle sprain, could provide a much-needed spark for Minnesota’s offense.