Overview

• During the bye week, J.J. McCarthy has stayed on the field at the team facility as O’Connell outlined intensive drills and lower-body mechanics work, with Week 7 against the Eagles in play.
• Minnesota sits 3-2 after Carson Wentz stepped in for three starts, posting 759 passing yards with five touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 69% completion rate in two wins.
• O’Connell has not named a starter for the Eagles game, and ESPN’s Kevin Seifert has suggested Wentz could remain QB1 even if McCarthy is cleared.
• Wentz is managing a shoulder issue with no clear indication yet of full availability for Week 7, adding another variable to the decision.
• McCarthy, a 2024 first-round pick who missed last season with a knee injury, is being developed with a focus on technique and consistency as the staff gauges soreness and workload through the ramp-up.