Are Vikings prepared to play Carson Wentz over healthy J.J. McCarthy?

Before quarterback Carson Wentz helped the Minnesota Vikings improve to 2-1 on the season via a 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, some suggested that the Vikings could ultimately stick with Wentz even after starter J.J. McCarthy recovers from the high right ankle sprain that kept him from playing against Cincinnati.

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell had an opportunity to pour cold water over chatter about a potential quarterback controversy. O'Connell instead went in a different direction while confirming that McCarthy has been ruled out of this coming Sunday's game against the 2-1 Pittsburgh Steelers that will be held in Dublin, Ireland.

What J.J. McCarthy must first do before he returns to lineup

"First and foremost, he's got to get healthy," O'Connell said about McCarthy, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "And then, I don't think it's one of those things where it's, hey, he's healthy the night before a game, we're going to throw him out there and say, 'Hey, go figure it out' type of thing."

McCarthy tossed two touchdown passes and rushed for a score in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's 27-24 victory at the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8. Outside of those 15 minutes of action, however, the second-year quarterback left much to be desired with his play over Minnesota's first two games of the campaign. 

According to ESPN stats, McCarthy ranks last in the NFL among qualified players with a 20.6 adjusted QBR on the season. Meanwhile, Wentz completed 14-of-20 passes (70 percent) for 173 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers against the Bengals. 

Could J.J. McCarthy learn from watching Carson Wentz start?

McCarthy spent his entire rookie season recovering from a full meniscus repair instead of serving as a full-time active backup for then-starter Sam Darnold. On Monday, O'Connell suggested that "there is value" in the 2024 first-round draft pick being able to watch a proven commodity such as Wentz handle QB1 duties throughout the week and on game days. 

"Sometimes, it's the reactionary ability to still consistently play with the rhythm and the poise and the decision-making," O'Connell explained about his mindset, "and all that becomes much easier when you're taking the right footwork and you're balanced throughout the drop and reading with your feet. That can be an incredible weapon for a quarterback, whether they've played 20 years or they've played two games."

As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had the Vikings as 2.5-point favorites for the matchup against the Steelers. How Wentz plays at Croke Park could determine if Minnesota keeps McCarthy sidelined for at least the Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns that will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.