The Minnesota Vikings will be without starting quarterback JJ McCarthy for their Week 8 Thursday Night Football game. He is sidelined for the matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers due to an ongoing ankle issue. Veteran Carson Wentz will start in his place. This marks the sixth consecutive game McCarthy has missed.

Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed the decision following McCarthy's recent workout. The team determined his ankle was not yet strong enough for game action. The short week of a Thursday game also factored into the cautious approach.

JJ McCarthy sustained the ankle injury during a hard tackle in his second NFL start. That was back in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. He has been working his way back to full health since.

According to reports from ESPN, McCarthy was listed as 'questionable' ahead of the Chargers game. O'Connell stated the medical staff was encouraged by his progress. However, they ultimately decided he was not quite ready for a full game.

"If this was a Sunday game, maybe it would be a little bit different story," O'Connell said. He emphasized the decision was about McCarthy's effectiveness and avoiding a setback. The goal is to ensure he can perform his job for 60 minutes without complication.

With McCarthy out, Carson Wentz gets another start. The tenth-year veteran is on his sixth team in as many seasons. He has led the Vikings to a 2-2 record in his four starts this year, bringing the team's overall record to 3-3.

Rookie Max Brosmer will serve as the primary backup against the Chargers. Despite being inactive, JJ McCarthy will dress as the emergency third quarterback. This provides the team with a crucial safety net.

The Vikings' injury report also listed several other key players. Fullback C.J. Ham and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel were ruled out. Key offensive linemen Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill were among those listed as questionable.