In a Week 7 Thursday night clash against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Minnesota Vikings will again be without quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who remains sidelined for his fifth straight game due to a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 2.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Tuesday that veteran quarterback Carson Wentz will start, with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer as the backup. McCarthy has been designated as the emergency third-string quarterback.

“I’m encouraged about where [McCarthy] is at,” O’Connell said about his young signal caller.

“Very much looking forward to continuing his progression and hopefully having a chance to go next week.”

David J. Chao, a former NFL team doctor known as “ProFootballDoc” on social media, suggests McCarthy’s absence from the starting lineup reflects a lack of confidence in his readiness rather than the severity of his injury.

“Proof positive that #JJMcCarthy is healthy enough to play,” Chao wrote on X. “Not saying he is 100% but no way HC @Vikings would make him emergency QB for 2nd straight week otherwise. All I am saying is @Chiefs QB won a #SuperBowl playing thru high ankle sprain and right now JJ is not @PatrickMahomes which makes this a ‘coaching decision.'”

The Vikings started the season 1-1 with McCarthy as the starter. In his two NFL games, the former Michigan quarterback completed 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards, throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding 50 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Since stepping in for McCarthy, Wentz has led the Vikings to a 2-2 record. The veteran has completed 66.9% of his passes for 1,072 yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Vikings’ primetime showdown with the Chargers is set for an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. McCarthy’s next chance to reclaim the starting role comes in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions on November 2.