A Crucial Week 7 Matchup
As the 2025 NFL season pushes into its middle stretch, the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles meet in a Week 7 clash that carries serious implications for both sides. The Vikings are trying to regain rhythm in the NFC North, while the Eagles look to keep pace atop the NFC East.
Before the game kicked off, both teams released their inactive lists — the group of players who won’t suit up. For casual fans, the list might seem minor, but coaches and analysts know it tells a story of injuries, strategy, and roster depth. Every name missing can change a game plan.
Let’s break down who’s sitting, why they matter, and what their absences mean as these two NFC powers square off.
Eagles’ Inactives List
The Philadelphia Eagles released their list early Sunday afternoon, and a few names stood out:
TE Grant Calcaterra (oblique)
RB A.J. Dillon (coach’s decision)
QB Sam Howell (emergency 3rd QB)
G/C Drew Kendall
CB Mac McWilliams
The headline here is Calcaterra’s injury. Though he’s not the team’s main tight end, his absence removes an important secondary target and a useful blocker for heavier run formations. The Eagles will lean more heavily on Dallas Goedert, who’s been heating up recently, and Kylan Grandson, the second-year tight end promoted to fill the gap.
Running back A.J. Dillon being a healthy scratch turned some heads. He was acquired in the offseason for power runs and short-yardage situations, but his production hasn’t met expectations. Instead, the team will give more touches to Tank Biggby and rookie Will Shipley, hoping for more speed and versatility out of the backfield.
On the bright side for Philly, Jalen Carter and Landon Dickerson, both of whom missed time earlier in October, are active and ready to go. That strengthens the interior on both sides of the ball — a key factor against Minnesota’s physical fronts.
Vikings’ Inactive List
For the Minnesota Vikings, the Week 7 inactive list looked like this:
QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle)
LB Kobe King
OLB Andrew Van Gunkel
OLB Chaz Chambliss
DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
The most notable absence, of course, is rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who continues to nurse an ankle injury. That means Carson Wentz — facing his former team — gets the full reins again this week. It’s a fascinating storyline: the veteran quarterback who once led Philadelphia to MVP-level numbers now lines up against them in purple and gold.
Losing Van Gunkel and Chambliss hurts the Vikings’ pass-rush rotation. Both are valuable depth pieces who help keep Minnesota’s aggressive front fresh, especially on third-down blitzes. With them inactive, coordinator Brian Flores will need to shuffle his linebackers creatively to keep pressure on Jalen Hurts.
On defense, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins sitting means fewer big bodies for early downs, so watch for the Vikings to rotate Jonathan Bullard and Harrison Phillips more heavily.
The good news? Brian O’Neill, Minnesota’s Pro Bowl right tackle, is back after missing last week with a knee issue. His return is huge for both Wentz’s protection and the run game.
Why These Absences Matter
For the Eagles
Without Calcaterra, the tight-end depth chart thins out. Expect more three-wide receiver sets, especially if the Eagles try to spread the field early. Goedert will likely line up in motion or in the slot more often to create mismatches.
A.J. Dillon’s benching sends a message — the team wants more explosiveness. Biggby and Shipley fit the modern RPO-style offense better than Dillon’s bruising downhill approach. Both can catch out of the backfield, giving Hurts more check-down options.
Defensively, having Jalen Carter active again could swing the trenches battle. His interior push collapses pockets and disrupts timing — something Carson Wentz struggles with when pressured up the middle.
For the Vikings
Minnesota’s defense is thin at linebacker this week, which could open lanes for Philadelphia’s run-pass options and quick slants. Flores may compensate with heavier secondary rotations or disguised safety blitzes.
McCarthy’s absence keeps the offense in veteran hands. While fans are excited about the rookie’s future, Wentz’s experience could be invaluable in a high-stakes matchup like this — especially against his old team.
Having O’Neill back cannot be overstated. The Eagles’ edge rush — featuring Hasson Reddick and Josh Sweat — can wreck a game. O’Neill’s return stabilizes pass protection and should help open holes for running back Aaron Jones.
Strategic Shifts and Game Impact
Eagles Offense vs. Vikings Defense
Without Dillon, the Eagles are more likely to emphasize misdirection and speed. Expect RPOs, designed rollouts, and quick screens to neutralize Minnesota’s blitz pressure.
Goedert could see an uptick in targets, especially against a depleted linebacker unit. The Vikings will need coverage help from safeties Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith to avoid mismatches in the middle.
Vikings Offense vs. Eagles Defense
With McCarthy sidelined, Wentz will lead a veteran-heavy offense that thrives on play-action and intermediate throws. The Eagles’ defensive front, led by Carter and Fletcher Cox, will test Minnesota’s line early.
Expect the Vikings to establish the run behind O’Neill’s side, using Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler to control tempo. If the ground game works, Wentz’s deep shots to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could open up.
Still, the Eagles’ secondary remains dangerous. Darius Slay and James Bradberry are savvy corners who can bait Wentz into risky throws — especially if the pass rush forces him to hurry.
Special Teams & Depth Shifts
Inactive also influence special teams — something fans often overlook.
With Mac McWilliams and Chambliss out, both teams will shuffle their special-teams units. Expect backups like Theo Jackson and Troy Reeder to see more reps on coverage teams for Minnesota, while the Eagles may elevate a practice-squad corner for return duties.
For the Vikings, Greg Joseph remains the kicker, but coverage and blocking changes can subtly alter field-position battles. In a tight game, one missed tackle on special teams could swing momentum.
The Emotional Undercurrent: Wentz vs. Philadelphia
No storyline looms larger than Carson Wentz facing his former team.
The Eagles drafted him No. 2 overall back in 2016. He delivered MVP-caliber play before injuries derailed his tenure, and the franchise ultimately won a Super Bowl with Nick Foles. After stints in Washington and now Minnesota, Wentz finds himself at a crossroads — still talented, still competitive, but searching for redemption.
Facing Philadelphia again adds emotional fuel. Wentz has downplayed the “revenge” narrative publicly, but you can tell this one means something extra. If he can pull off a win against the team that drafted and dealt him away, it would be a personal and professional statement.
The Bigger Picture: Mid-Season Momentum
Week 7 is when playoff hopes start to take real shape. Here’s what’s at stake:
For the Eagles: Staying atop the NFC East means keeping pace with the Cowboys and Commanders. Dropping this game would tighten the division race.
For the Vikings: They can’t afford to fall further behind Detroit in the NFC North. A win here would put them back in the Wild Card hunt.
Inactives might not grab headlines, but they often determine who wins the attrition battle that defines long NFL seasons.
Key Matchups to Watch
Brian O’Neill vs. Hasson Reddick – A returning All-Pro tackle against one of the league’s premier edge rushers. Whoever wins this battle controls the Vikings’ passing rhythm.
Dallas Goedert vs. Vikings Linebackers – With Van Gunkel and Chambliss out, this matchup could dictate third-down conversions.
Justin Jefferson vs. Darius Slay – Two veterans who know each other well. Expect a physical duel with highlight-reel potential.
Aaron Jones vs. Eagles Run Defense – Jones has been efficient but quiet; he’ll need to be explosive to take pressure off Wentz.
Eagles’ Interior DL vs. Vikings’ Guards – With Carter and Cox healthy, the pocket could collapse quickly if Minnesota doesn’t hold firm.
Potential Replacements & Players to Watch
Kylen Granson (Eagles TE) – Gets a bigger workload with Calcaterra out. A sneaky red-zone threat.
Will Shipley (Eagles RB) – Rookie with burst; might earn extra touches in passing downs.
Troy Reeder (Vikings LB) – Expected to fill some of the snaps left by Van Gunkel.
Harrison Phillips (Vikings DL) – Needs to play extended snaps without Ingram-Dawkins.
Theo Jackson (Vikings S) – Could see hybrid linebacker snaps in nickel formations.
These aren’t household names, but depth players often become the heroes of mid-season matchups.
The Tactical Chess Match
Eagles coach Nick Syriana loves scripting creative early drives. Expect him to test Minnesota’s short coverage with crossing routes and play-action to Goedert. The Vikings, under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, will counter with disguised pressures and occasional zero blitzes — daring Hurts to throw hot.
Offensively, Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell knows Wentz thrives on rhythm. Look for quick throws, moving pockets, and heavy use of motion to slow down the Eagles’ rush. If O’Connell’s play-calling stays balanced, Wentz can settle in.
X-Factors
Jalen Hurts’ Mobility: The Vikings’ linebacking depth is thin — one missed contain assignment could lead to a long scramble.
Weather Conditions: Indoor stadium, but noise and crowd energy always impact communication.
Turnover Battle: Both defenses excel at forcing fumbles and interceptions. Whoever wins this margin likely wins the game.
The inactive lists may seem like routine housekeeping, but they tell a deeper story about where each team stands.
The Eagles come in healthier on the lines but thinner at skill depth. The Vikings, meanwhile, are patching up defensively but get a crucial piece back in O’Neill. The quarterback matchup — Wentz vs. Hurts — carries both strategic and emotional intrigue.
In a league built on parity, small details like these roster decisions often tilt the scales. A backup tight end missing here, a starting tackle returning there — that’s the difference between 4-3 and 3-4 in the standings.
As the whistle blows, keep those inactive names in mind. They shape everything — from who takes the field on third down to who becomes the unexpected hero.
Whether it’s Wentz’s redemption arc or Hurts continuing his MVP campaign, Week 7 promises a game loaded with storylines, emotion, and hidden depth.
