Who Should I Start? Justin Herbert or J.J. McCarthy

Friday, October 10, 3:44 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a good chance to get the team back on track this week against the Miami Dolphins, who have one of the weakest defenses in the league heading into Sunday. Despite leading the team in rushing last week and being one of the top passers during the Chargers' early wins, Herbert's production has slowed due to injuries along the offensive line, taking 35 hits in the last three games. Critical penalties and the absence of Joe Alt (ankle) and Trey Pipkins (knee) continue to put pressure on Herbert. The Dolphins' defense ranks last in average rushing yards allowed. Still, the Chargers will be deploying backups Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal this week after Omarion Hampton (ankle) was placed on IR. The offense should lean more on the passing game and its proven weapons, but keep an eye on Quentin Johnston, who was limited all week with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Sunday. RotoBaller projects Herbert as the QB6 this week, making him a reliable high-end QB1 despite the offensive challenges around him.

Tuesday, October 7, 6:41 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will get "extensive work" on the field during the team's bye this week, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy is officially returning to practice this week after missing three games due to a high right-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Veteran Carson Wentz one two of his three starts with McCarthy sidelined, although he did suffer a left-shoulder injury in the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns in London that the team will monitor this week. McCarthy led a comeback in Week 1 over the Chicago Bears but looked like a rookie in Week 2 while playing through his ankle injury. O'Connell didn't exactly commit to McCarthy starting in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles coming off the bye, so if Wentz's shoulder is alright, the veteran could make a fourth straight start.