Carson Wentz Speaks Out on Vikings’ Handling of Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jay Canale | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 5:33 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has come under fire this past week after it was reported that quarterback Carson Wentz started multiple games with a shoulder dislocation, which included a torn labrum and fractured socket.

According to USA Today, Wentz sustained this injury on October 5 against the Cleveland Browns. However, he still managed to start two more games, ending with a 37-10 primetime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers where Wentz was sacked five times.

Following this outing, after which Wentz said it’s possible he had never experienced a comparable level of pain in a game (Wentz has suffered an ACL tear, LCL tear, vertebral fracture, and rib fracture, per Draftsharks), many fans criticized O’Connell’s decision to have the veteran quarterback start while so injured.

Wentz has rebutted those criticisms, saying he knew what he was signing up for when taking the field.

Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe (92) tackles Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, Wentz relished the opportunity to start meaningful games, opting to play through the pain. This was certainly necessary, as the Vikings’ starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, was dealing with a high ankle sprain. The only other quarterback on the roster is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, leaving Wentz as their best option for winning a couple of key matchups against the Eagles and Chargers.

So, while the decision to start Wentz seemed forced by O'Connell—especially after seeing Wentz throw his helmet in pain and frustration near the end of the Chargers game—the veteran quarterback wasn’t just complicit in the decision that led him to start, but was the one pushing for it.

Now, however, the safety net Wentz provided McCarthy and O’Connell is gone. It's time to see what the Vikings' 2024 first-round pick can do now that he’s back under center and healthy. He faces a tough matchup for his first game back, facing off against a well-coached Lions defense.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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