Vikings QB Carson Wentz Primed for ‘Revenge Game’ Against Eagles in Week 7
There is one specific storyline that’s going to come up whenever any NFL team faces one of its old starting quarterbacks. One part of that formula is we can usually ratchet up that attention the higher the draft pick.
While some of that luster may have been lost for a variety of reasons, when the Minnesota Vikings host the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, they’ll do so with Carson Wentz starting at quarterback in place of injured 2024 first round pick J.J. McCarthy.
That’s notable because Wentz, once upon a time, was the player the Eagles pinned all of their franchise hopes and dreams on.
To recap: Philadelphia drafted Wentz No. 2 overall out of North Dakota State in the 2016 NFL draft, watched him earn NFL All-Pro honors and win a Super Bowl in his second season and signed him to a 4-year, $128 million contract extension before the 2019 season.
To say Wentz doesn’t have extra motivation against the team he used to play for and the player who ultimately took his spot in quarterback and reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts would be to simply deny the human condition.
No matter what anyone on either side might say, it matters.
There was some speculation McCarthy might return for the Vikings after missing the last 4 games due to an ankle injury until head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wentz would make his fourth consecutive start.
“The Carson Wentz revenge game is officially on,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on his official X account on October 17. “Kevin O’Connell announces Wentz will start for the Vikings against the Eagles.”
‘Revenge’ Narrative Not Really What It Seems
This isn’t the first time Wentz has faced his old team. In his only other time facing the Eagles, Wentz started for the Washington Commanders in a 24-8 loss in 2022 in which he was largely ineffective, going 25-of-43 passing for 211 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
No matter how media types might want to spin it, sometimes a “revenge” narrative might not always be what it seems — something Eagles Pin Pull podcast host Shane Haff astutely pointed out is the case with Wentz.
“Hard to call it a revenge game when the team benched you while you were playing terribly and then acquiesced to your trade request in the offseason, trading you to the coach you wanted to play for,” Haff wrote on his official X account on October 17. “The Eagles didn’t do wrong by Carson Wentz. Every time a player plays a former team we don’t have to call it a ‘revenge’ game.”
Wentz Made NFL History in 2025
Wentz made NFL history when he started for the Vikings in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the first quarterback to start for 6 different teams in 6 consecutive seasons.
Wentz started 12 games for the Eagles in 2020, 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, 7 games for the Commanders in 2022, 1 game for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and 1 game for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.
“If he starts for the Vikings this weekend, Carson Wentz would become the first quarterback in NFL history to start at least one game for six different teams in six consecutive seasons,” ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote on his official X account on September 15.
BREAKING: Panthers Activate Jalen Coker, Austin Corbett From IR
In a bold move to bolster their lineup, the Carolina Panthers have activated wide receiver Jalen Coker and offensive lineman Austin Corbett from injured reserve ahead of their Week 7 clash with the New York Jets. These key roster changes, announced by ESPN’s David Newton, signal the Panthers' commitment to strengthening their roster as they look to build on their recent success. With Carolina sitting at .500 after winning three of their last four games, the team is hoping the return of Coker and Corbett will be the difference-maker in their quest for playoff contention.
Jalen Coker's Return Brings Explosive Potential to Panthers’ Offense
Coker, who impressed as an undrafted rookie out of Holy Cross last season, will finally make his return to the field after being sidelined for the first six games of the season due to a quad injury. A standout performer in 2024, Coker tallied 32 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns, providing a deep threat for the Panthers’ offense. His absence has been keenly felt, as the team has struggled to find consistent production from the slot position.
The Panthers temporarily signed veteran Hunter Renfrow to fill in for Coker, but his contributions have been modest at best, with just 15 catches and two touchdowns in six games. His average of 5.9 yards per catch has been disappointing, especially considering Coker's ability to stretch the field. If Coker can pick up where he left off last season, he has the potential to give quarterback Bryce Young an explosive weapon, complementing standout rookie Tetairoa McMillan and potentially transforming Carolina’s aerial attack.
Austin Corbett’s Return Strengthens Offensive Line
Meanwhile, Austin Corbett’s activation marks a significant boost to the Panthers' offensive line. The fourth-year lineman was placed on injured reserve after suffering a left MCL sprain in a Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Injuries have plagued Corbett throughout his tenure with Carolina, limiting him to just 11 games since 2023.
Before his injury, Corbett was slated to start at center, but Cade Mays has stepped up in his absence and performed admirably. Pro Football Focus currently ranks Mays as the eighth-best center in the league, and his play has been instrumental in Carolina’s recent success in the running game, particularly in the back-to-back 200-yard rushing performances the Panthers have put together. Corbett, an experienced guard, could be a candidate to replace left guard Damien Lewis, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. This could allow Mays to continue anchoring the line at center, with Corbett providing stability on the interior if Lewis is unable to go.
Defensive Shakeup with Boogie Basham’s Elevation
In another move, the Panthers have elevated outside linebacker Boogie Basham from their practice squad ahead of the game against the Jets. Basham, who was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills and later played for the New York Giants, will be looking to make a significant impact after a quiet start to his Panthers career. He made his debut in Week 4, logging 17 snaps and contributing two tackles in the loss to the Patriots. Basham’s elevation comes after the news that starting outside linebacker Patrick Jones will require season-ending back surgery, leaving a significant hole in Carolina’s defense.
The Panthers have been forced to adapt with injuries, but these latest moves show a clear focus on ensuring they have enough depth to compete through the season's second half. Basham will have an opportunity to showcase his skills, and with the Jets coming to town, the Panthers will need all the help they can get.
A Crucial Game Ahead for the Panthers
As the Panthers prepare for their upcoming matchup with the Jets, these roster moves demonstrate their commitment to building a complete team. With a 3-3 record and a challenging schedule ahead, every move matters. The activation of Coker and Corbett gives the Panthers both offensive and defensive reinforcement, and with the elevation of Basham, the team is poised to make the necessary adjustments to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Jets, a team with a formidable defense, will test Carolina’s revamped lineup, but with Coker and Corbett back in the fold, the Panthers are hoping to give their fans something to cheer for as they continue to fight for relevancy in the NFC.
