While the loss of Wentz hurts Minnesota’s QB depth chart, McCarthy figures to be ready for his long-awaited return.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters last week that McCarthy, who returned to practice, was not quite ready to return, but noted that if Week 8’s game were played on Sunday that he would have had a shot to start.
The Vikings are on the road to face the Detroit Lions this Sunday.
Max Brosmer, who took seven total snaps in Wentz’s brief exits in Weeks 5 and 8, is presumed to be McCarthy’s backup going forward.
Wentz won two of his first three games once taking over for McCarthy in Week 3, keeping the Vikings afloat in a top-heavy NFC North. But consecutive losses the last two games have Minnesota sitting last in the division with a 3-4 record.
His 10th season ends with 1,216 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions with an 85.8 passer rating.
Wentz inked a one-year deal with Minnesota in August after the club traded backup Sam Howell to the Eagles. The 32-year-old’s solid play in relief allowed McCarthy to heal up without rush. Wentz momentarily righted the ship — even bringing into question if he should remain the start — but season-ending surgery will instead be his fate.