Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions. Click here to submit a comment or question to Mailbag. Remember to include your name and town in the email. If Twitter / X is your jam, you can send a question to me that way as well.

Welcome back from the bye — in more ways than one.

The Vikings are expected to have more of their team on the field after the well-placed break.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said last Monday that the Vikings plan to have quarterback J.J. McCarthy, left guard Donovan Jackson, center Michael Jurgens and linebacker Blake Cashman return to practice "in different capacities" this week. Undrafted rookie Joe Huber filled in for Jackson last week, and Brandel started in place of Jurgens (hamstring), who was starting in place of Ryan Kelly, who has been placed on Injured Reserve after twice entering the concussion protocol.

Minnesota will have a short on-field session today before resuming a traditional schedule for a Sunday game, which means planned practices for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with the first Injury Report of Week 7 due for publication on Wednesday.

We'll start this week with a follow-up from some events in Week 5, as well as turn attention toward Philadelphia's visit in Week 7 and offer a general overview of Minnesota's remaining slate.

View the 2025 Vikings Schedule.

Check out the 2025 International games.

View future opponents for the Vikings.

Buy single game tickets.

Download the official Vikings App.

How can the NFL, with all its technology, miss the fact that a field goal hit a wire?

Not even a mention on the broadcast.

Thanks,

— John in Milwaukee

For anyone who missed the Week 5 game against the Browns, the Vikings had a 51-yard field goal attempt by Will Reichard with 9:46 left at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It looked good coming off Reichard's foot but then sailed wide right. Multiple camera angles have made it appear that the ball hit one of the wires used to suspend the aerial camera above the field.

I've heard co-workers also believe that to be true, but I also spoke to someone who had a good look at multiple angles of the play and believed the ball was first contacted at the line of scrimmage.

Jordan Schultz posted about the play on Saturday, reporting that the play would likely be turned into the NFL for review.

In the slow-motion video that Schultz included in his post, it appears Cameron Thomas (No. 99, white sleeve on left arm) gets a left pinky finger on the ball.

If the review determines the ball did hit the wire, the play would be changed from a miss to a non-kick. Since the Vikings were not granted a re-kick (if the ball hit the wire), the team can be quite grateful for its execution on the game-winning touchdown drive.

I'm a lifetime Vikings fan and greatly torn between who should lead us at QB after the bye. The excitement of basically a rookie (J.J. McCarthy), with great college exposure at the highest level, or let's also remember (Carson) Wentz was at an extremely high level in his college days, also, and at times has shown his talent level in the NFL as well. Given a little time, adjusting to routes and timing with receivers, Wentz made those adjustments in his development with receivers, which showed against Cleveland. I do believe J.J. has a great upside future, but let's not over anticipate it. Experience trumps upside in this situation. If we didn't have a very good defense, outstanding weapons and special teams and excellent coaches, then letting J.J. learn through taking lumps would make sense. But we're not in that situation due to the development of the roster. Let's let Wentz lead and K.O. "whisper" his way into navigational plays and motivating players to their best efforts. I welcome your thoughts. Please Lord, stop the injuries! Side note, what is the NFL going to do about technology interfering with the game. Our FG attempt for the tie definitely hit the wire!!! Skol!!!

— Troy Rosendahl

The Vikings plan to have McCarthy back at practice this week for his first on-field sessions since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Falcons, the second start of his career.

Wentz's first three starts of his Vikings tenure were the 95^th, 96^th and 97^th of his career, and the Vikings sailed smoothly past the Bengals, challenged the Steelers late and rallied for a comeback against the Browns.

Wentz's experience showed at multiple times in Week 5 when Minnesota was without Brian O'Neill at right tackle, had left tackle Christian Darrisaw on a pitch count, had Blake Brandel playing center for the first time and Huber making his first NFL start. All of that was against a strong defensive front four — some even would argue the best in the league.

Mobility is a considerable part of McCarthy's game and could help him escape some pressures, but that wasn't the case in Week 2 when the Falcons repeatedly rushed the passer with success.

The Vikings have been able to mesh their system with quick passing in Wentz's three starts. Minnesota made conscientious decisions this offseason to build an environment around a young quarterback, and the parts of that nucleus that haven't been impacted by injuries have helped in McCarthy's absence.

Jordan Addison is an elite receiver. What Addison brings to the Vikings offense since coming back is significant.

Justin Jefferson is the best, but Addison would be No. 1 on almost any other team.
Next week is big. Who are they getting back?

The offensive line — c'mon! The Vikings need good news. If their starters as projected get intact, things start to get interesting.

Andrew Van Ginkel may be the key for the D to dominate even more as the schedule gets crazy tough. He gives Brian Flores the flexibility to just play D and be physical.

Is Dallas Turner ready to play pass coverage? Moving him to inside LB gives the team the speed that is currently lacking inside. That is a big ask, but if he could do that, that fixes a glaring hole. Toughest position to play well.

Skol!

— Gary L. from Florida

Addison has nine catches for 155 yards with a game-winning touchdown in seven quarters. That average of 17.2 per catch is inflated by his 81-yarder against Pittsburgh I Week 4, but his presence has been felt in a short amount of time.

In two games with Addison back in the lineup, Jefferson has gone for 126 and 123 yards.

We didn't get to see McCarthy play with Darrisaw (returned in Week 3) at left tackle or with Addison, which was a bit unfair to the 2024 first-round pick who was showing good rapport with Addison throughout training camp. They had substantial work — and results — together, especially while Jefferson was sidelined for about a month.

Van Ginkel (neck) and Cashman (hamstring) have been missed by Minnesota's defense, which delivered multiple stops in the fourth quarter in Week 5. Turner has been the lead player in filling in for Van Ginkel, who had 2.0 sacks on eight snaps against Cincinnati but did not play in Weeks 2, 4 and 5. Minnesota took a look at moving Turner to multiple spots during his rookie season. He had a career-high seven tackles against Cleveland, by the way.

Cashman has been rehabbing since suffering his injury in Week 1. Eric Wilson has filled in admirably, especially considering Cashman's role as the defense's nerve center before snaps.

Hopefully the coaching staff is reviewing the past couple Philadelphia games for a game plan. Sounds like whatever the other teams are doing works for us.

— The Viking Fan Since 1972

And …

I think that we have a GREAT head coach, who along with his staff have been working hard to create 'good' problems. How many players have we already seen step up when given an opportunity? Who should start at quarterback after the bye is a good problem not a bad one.

If it was my decision — as it's a home game — I think that Carson has earned a shot against his former team. But I would tell him and J.J. that regardless of the final score, a healthy and prepared J.J. would start against Los Angeles. As a more mobile QB on a short week, J.J. should give the Chargers a lot of problems. Best of all (after two wins), the Lions will have no idea which of our two starting-caliber QBs they will be seeing Nov. 2.

I'm interested in your opinion, as well as what Kevin ultimately decides.

The bad problem is the tush push. I feel that the problem is not preventing the play from working, but in making the players running the play to wish that a different play would be called.

My suggestion for goal line situations — the defense should intentionally go offsides. No one likes to get hit first, which is the point of the play … intimidation. The penalty (half the distance to the goal line) should allow for several additional opportunities to repeat the same infraction. Maybe the offense gets jumpy and incurs a penalty that would cause them to be backed up more than the penalty assessed the defense. I also think that some offensive linemen are anxious running it, as evidenced by the missed illegal procedure calls. Even if the offense scores a touchdown, the intimidation factor has been corrected.

I want to be clear that I am not advocating the targeting of a specific position/player on the offensive line, but that is of course the exact purpose of the play as designed — target the nose tackle of the defense.

SKOL

— Bill Dunn in Fairfield, Connecticut

And …

I watched the Eagles-Giants game on Thursday night and noticed the Eagles linemen were moving a lot right before the snap. Don't linemen have to maintain their stance for one second before the snap? To me it looked like the right guard was constantly moving early because he got down into his stance at the same time as the snap at times.

SKOL,

— Duane Lahti

And …

For Eagles week, two things the Vikings have to do:

First, they're gonna have to score a lot of points.

Second, they're going to have to have Coach Flores find a way to stop the tush push.

— Gill Sorg

Eagles week brings multiple storylines as the defending Super Bowl Champions come to town for the first time since 2019.

Much of the conversation about Philadelphia in the past few years has included how to stop QB push plays, and the best way to do so is to avoid short-yardage-to-gain situations. The Eagles ran four consecutive push plays in their Week 6 game at the New York Giants but wound up not being able to keep pace with rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo.

After opening 4-0, Philadelphia has fallen to Denver 21-17 and New York 34-17.

Regarding Bill's comments, we'll all learn more this week about what approach O'Connell will take. Wentz, for what its worth, was still having his left shoulder evaluated last Monday when O'Connell spoke with media members. I don't know if O'Connell will name a starter early this week or rule anyone out. It's his prerogative if he wants Philadelphia to spend time preparing for multiple options.

We did see Washington in the NFC Championship Game try to jump the snaps on push plays but without much success. We also saw the near elimination of the play this offseason during owners' meetings, but the decision fell a few votes shy, so that means opponents have to counter it somehow.

To Duane's point, I believe we have seen an increase in complaints about Eagles players leaving early and/or lining up offsides, but those instances haven't resulted in flags. I casually watched Thursday's game (honestly I was still trying to catch up on sleep from the international double dip) and believe the Eagles had their right guard helping with silent count, but I also believe those situations require a player to reset in his stance.

Philadelphia has 142 points for and 143 points against. The Eagles have struggled to move the ball at times this season, but they've also protected it, losing just three turnovers on the season, including two at New York.

The Vikings having hurt players, they are playing the best they can. Other players are stepping up. Do have to say that the Steelers and Browns run game opened up a lot of holes in Vikings defense. Also end runs by opponents gained a lot of yardage. Need to open up offense with more players to be involved. Need to play McCarthy, have him develop his game. Hope starting Week 7 we will get into playoffs. Vikings have heart.

— William in Florida (fan since 1968)

Saquon Barkley has probably reviewed some of the runs that Vikings opponents have enjoyed against Minnesota this season. The 2024 Offensive Player of the Year who led the NFL with 125.3 rushing yards per game on a whopping 345 carries last season has rushed 95 times for 325 yards and three scores in 2025.

Barkley's rush average has gone from a career-best 5.8 in 2024 to 3.4, which would be on track for a career-low. It will be up to Minnesota to resolve the leaks that have helped other opponents and avoid letting Philadelphia play this one on Eagles terms.

The heart and connectivity shown by the Vikings in their Week 4 loss and thrilling Week 5 comeback are elements that can be built on, particularly if the injuries decrease.

Like many others, I had forecast the Vikings at 4-1 at this point, with four very difficult games now coming up (the toughest part of our schedule). I then had us 5-4 after the next four games. We need to win two of these next four games to be "back on schedule." That would result in a 11-6 season & easily make the playoffs. IF, IF, IF, IF the Vikings can get three to five injured players back following the BYE week, it is doable. … IF they return soon, Vikings can win, make the playoffs easily, & then let's see. P.S. Thank You for the regular INJURY UPDATES next week.

— Dan Poepard

After the disappointment of Week 2, the hope was that 4-1 would be possible. One of the coping thoughts after the loss to the Steelers that I've entertained is that it's possible that loss will not look as damaging by the end of the season as it did following the hyped build-up to the game.

Pittsburgh improved to 4-1 Sunday and has a whopping lead in the AFC North where Cincinnati fell to 2-4 but remained in second in the division. Those teams meet this Thursday in "The Jungle." Not to look too far ahead, but the Steelers host the Packers in Week 8 on Sunday Night Football.

When the schedule was announced, it seemed like a Week 6 bye was going to be a bit early, particularly for a team with postseason aspirations. I might have even eye-rolled a bit when I saw the Vikings had a Week 8 Thursday game in Los Angeles after a Week 6 bye for the second consecutive season, but knowing what we know, this may have been one of the best-timed weeks of rest in franchise history because of the injuries and the seismic disruption to desired routines.

The Vikings have been on the go, go and go (a little more on that in the next question's response), but there is so much season left, and the Vikings can write this year's story. The 2015, 2017 and 2019 squads made the playoffs after going 3-2 through their first five games, finishing those seasons at 11-5, 13-3 and 10-6. The 2022 team when 4-1 in its first five under O'Connell, and last year's squad was 5-0.

I will note that nine of the Vikings remaining 12 opponents enter today at .500 or better. Going 8-4 in this stretch is a little easier said than done, but it can be done.

Ever since the schedule came out, I have felt the Vikings have to have one of the most difficult schedules of any team this year. I am not referring simply to "strength of schedule" opponents (which I believe they are ranked as sixth-toughest on), but I am also including an aspect never or seldom addressed by pundits — schedule timing or uniqueness.

I note that seven out of their 16 currently scheduled regular season games are scheduled at times other than the "normal" Sunday afternoon game ("unique times"). They are:

9/8 Monday night at Bears

9/14 Sunday night at Atlanta

9/28 International game vs. Pittsburgh

10/5 International game vs. Cleveland

10/23 Thursday night at Chargers

12/14 Sunday night at Cowboys

12/25 Christmas day (Thursday) vs. Lions

That's one Monday night, two Sunday morning (international travel), two Sunday night, and two Thursday night (one on Christmas day) games for the Vikings. This unique schedule seems excessive this year; so I have 3 questions:

1) Do any other teams have a similarly unique schedule?

2) Why don't analysts take into account the uniqueness of schedule when evaluating overall difficulty of schedule? And,

3) Most importantly, what are the Vikings doing to help plan for and adjust to such a unique schedule?

Thanks,

— Tom in Maine — avid fan for more than 60 years!

We won't know until much later this season when Minnesota's Week 18 game against Green Bay will be scheduled, and that one too could be slotted at a non-noon kickoff.

Re-regulating from the international double dip will be important. I'm not the most consistent of a "sleep-schedule guy" but I even struggled this past week. I woke up at 2:50 a.m. on two separate nights "ready to start the day" since that would have been sleeping in for British Summer Time (8:50 a.m.).

It's incredible that it will be Week 9 before Minnesota plays a road game at noon (CT), but that's how things shook out this year.

I will say a team playing in multiple exclusive window games is generally a compliment, with the notion that priority for those slots is directed toward showcasing meaningful football.

We don't have to look too far on Minnesota's schedule for a couple of examples of teams that received multiple unique windows.

Aside from opening the season on a Thursday (which has become the norm for the defending champ), the Eagles have had some normality early. Philadelphia, however, will have at least one appearance on a Monday (road games at Green Bay and the L.A. Chargers), Friday (hosting Bears the day after Thanksgiving) and Saturday (at Commanders in December).

The Chargers were in Week 3 before playing on a Sunday, but their only Thursday game is against Minnesota. The Chiefs have seven scheduled kickoffs at 7 p.m. (CT) or later on their 2025 schedule.

The Vikings approached Week 4 with what had worked for single-game trips to London and then tried to make the following week in the English countryside as normal as they could.

O'Connell and the health and performance staff have been good about using data to direct decisions, particularly for practice workloads as seasons progress.