Who Should I Start? Carson Wentz or Josh Downs

Tuesday, October 21, 3:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Tuesday that veteran quarterback Carson Wentz (shoulder) will make another start in Week 8 on Thursday Night Football against the hosting Los Angeles Chargers, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Max Brosmer will serve as the backup, with J.J. McCarthy (ankle) likely serving as the emergency third QB on game day again. McCarthy will be Minnesota's starting QB again when he's fully recovered from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 2, but the Vikes aren't going to rush the former first-rounder back. Barring a setback, it's more likely that McCarthy makes his return as the starter in Week 9 versus the division-rival Detroit Lions. Wentz has played through an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder since Week 5, but he's fine to play through it and will make for a low-end QB2 option in superflex leagues this week against the Bolts. He has completed 66.9% of his 142 pass attempts for 1,072 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions in his four starts in place of McCarthy.

Friday, October 17, 2:13 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers. Downs popped up on the team's Wednesday injury report with a concussion and has not practiced since entering the league's concussion protocol. Downs is coming off his best game of the year after catching six passes for 42 yards and a score against the Cardinals. While they play different roles in the offense, Downs' absence could create more target opportunities for Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Meanwhile, Adonai Mitchell could see a return to action after the team limited his snaps in Week 5 and made him a healthy inactive for Week 6 following his Week 4 fumble on what should have been a highlight touchdown grab.