To say the bye came at a good time for the Vikings would be an understatement.
Not only did the Vikings get a chance to recharge their batteries last week after returning from an unprecedented international swing through Dublin and London, they also got a chance to get healthy ahead of arguably the most challenging part of their schedule.
The upcoming games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens will go a long way toward determining the team’s trajectory this season, and perhaps beyond.
Here are some questions the Vikings must answer following their bye:
Who is going to start at quarterback?
Will it be young quarterback J.J. McCarthy or veteran quarterback Carson Wentz under center? It’s still unclear if head coach Kevin O’Connell will make a public announcement before the Vikings play the Eagles. The fact that McCarthy is back at practice is a step in the right direction after he missed much of the past month with a high ankle sprain. That said, McCarthy is still in the process of getting reacclimated to the offense, so the Vikings could decide he needs more time before he gets thrown back out there. As for Wentz, he’s still dealing with a sore shoulder, which is worth keeping an eye on.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in a NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
Where is J.J. McCarthy in his development?
If the Vikings opt not to start McCarthy against the Eagles, it’s worth speculating about where they feel he’s at in his development. Though he hasn’t been able to practice while recovering from a high ankle sprain, and thus has lost valuable reps early in his career, McCarthy should be past the point of having to take a step back to learn how to play the position at the highest level. There was a clear turning of the page when McCarthy was handed the keys to the car during training camp. Any backtracking from the Vikings at this point would indicate that they don’t feel he’s ready. The only other explanation for McCarthy not playing would be that he still isn’t 100 percent. That part of the equation will be gleaned from the injury report.
Can the playmakers carry the offense?
After the Vikings suffered a frustrating loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, star receiver Justin Jefferson made sure they responded with a comeback win over the Cleveland Browns in London. He was spectacular while proving himself to be the straw that stirs the drink on offense. It was a nice reminder that Jefferson is capable of taking over a game. Whether it’s McCarthy or Wentz at quarterback, they must be able to get him the ball early and often. The same goes for fellow receiver Jordan Addison and star tight end T.J. Hockenson. There are playmakers in place that can carry the offense, so long as they’re given the opportunity.
When will the offensive line be at full strength?
Not once have the Vikings been able to play their projected starting offensive line together. They were without left tackle Christian Darrisaw in the early stages as he worked his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament, then they lost right tackle Brian O’Neill to a sprained medial collateral ligament. They also are navigating without center Ryan Kelly, on injured reserve after the latest in a long line of concussions. The good news is that left guard Donovan Jackson is back at practice after missing a couple of games, and right guard Will Fries has played virtually every snap so far. Will the Vikings ever get all of those players on the field at the same time?
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) looks on before an NFL preseason football game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
What is Harrison Smith’s role?
Asked a simple question about veteran safety Harrison Smith, defensive coordinator Brian Flores gave an illuminating answer. After playing spot minutes since returning from a personal health issue, Smith isn’t necessarily guaranteed to see an uptick in snaps. It sounds as if Flores is trying to figure out what best suits Smith’s abilities in the twilight of his career. As much as this has to do with safety Josh Metellus proving to be reliable in all situations, and the continued improvement of safety Theo Jackson, it also appears Smith is transitioning into a role that no longer requires him playing every snap.
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