Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will get "extensive work" on the field during the team's bye this week, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy is officially returning to practice this week after missing three games due to a high right-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Veteran Carson Wentz one two of his three starts with McCarthy sidelined, although he did suffer a left-shoulder injury in the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns in London that the team will monitor this week. McCarthy led a comeback in Week 1 over the Chicago Bears but looked like a rookie in Week 2 while playing through his ankle injury. O'Connell didn't exactly commit to McCarthy starting in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles coming off the bye, so if Wentz's shoulder is alright, the veteran could make a fourth straight start.
Oct 7, 2025 6:41 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has not practiced in the weeks after his injury, but the Vikings still appear to be targeting Week 7 as the quarterback's return after their Week 6 bye. Diana Russini of The Athletic reported McCarthy could be out longer, but cited a league source saying there was "nothing to see here" on the injury front. Carson Wentz went 2-1 as a starter in McCarthy's absence, including leading a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minute in Week 5 against Cleveland, though Minnesota is likely to go back to the 2024 first-rounder. The bigger issue for any Vikings quarterback is the amount of injuries up front. The team will be without starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion) for at least another month, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) and left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) are both question marks for Week 7, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been on a snap count as he returns from ACL surgery last year.
Oct 7, 2025 2:15 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is expected to resume practicing next week as they head into a Week 7 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Emily Leiker of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. McCarthy suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and has not played since. The 22-year-old will have an extra week to recover, though, with the Vikings on bye in Week 6 following two straight weeks of international games in Ireland and England. The Vikings still believe in McCarthy as their QB of the future, but McCarthy has been non-committal on whether McCarthy will jump right back in as the starter when he's past his ankle injury after struggling in his first two NFL regular-season games. Veteran Carson Wentz could be in line for a fourth straight start in Week 7 against his former team, the Eagles.
Oct 6, 2025 11:27 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has officially been ruled out for their Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns. McCarthy has been sidelined since suffering this high ankle sprain during their Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Carson Wentz to receive his third-straight start. Wentz threw for just 173 yards but tacked on two TD passes in his Minnesota debut in Week 3. In Week 4, he took a loss to the Steelers but enjoyed a productive fantasy day, totaling 350 yards with another two touchdown passes. Wentz carries solid QB2 value this weekend, despite facing a potent Cleveland defense. Given McCarthy's uncertain timetable, he is only worth stashing in deeper one-QB leagues while he remains sidelined. McCarthy will look to return to action in Week 7 when they host the Eagles, following their Week 6 bye.
Oct 3, 2025 9:14 AM EST
Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was throwing off to the side during warm-ups, but was unable to practice on Thursday. Minnesota will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, and all signs are pointing to the 22-year-old missing his third consecutive contest. It's good news that McCarthy seems to be progressing, but he isn't quite ready to retake the practice field. Minnesota is likely just being cautious with its franchise QB, but he'll need to log at least a limited session before he's considered for their next outing. Veteran teammate Carson Wentz will again operate the offense in the second-year pro's stead.
Oct 2, 2025 11:34 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is in line to miss his third straight game after suffering a high-ankle sprain in their Week 2 loss to the Falcons. The hope coming into the week was for McCarthy to be able to practice, but he was unable to go on Wednesday. Head coach Kevin O'Connell indicated that he is entering "the next phase of his rehab" where he is getting more active to ensure that the high ankle sprain is fully healed, and then he can start working back on the field. Before getting injured, McCarthy struggled, completing 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He has the worst EPA/Play among 36 qualified quarterbacks this season. Starting in his place, Carson Wentz has the weapons and scheme to take advantage, but he's not a recommended play in Week 6.
Oct 1, 2025 6:59 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings hope quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) practices "some" this week, leading into the team's Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, per a team announcement. McCarthy suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 and has missed Minnesota's last two games. Before getting hurt, McCarthy had completed 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz has been Minnesota's starter over the past two weeks, throwing for 523 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks. Minnesota has a bye in Week 6, so it could make sense for McCarthy to miss one more game in Week 5 and have two full weeks to heal before returning in Week 7.
Sep 30, 2025 11:17 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unsurprisingly, McCarthy won't play this weekend as he's expected to miss another week or two. However, head coach Kevin O'Connell mentioned McCarthy could get in limited work ahead of next week's contest versus the Cleveland Browns. It doesn't mean that McCarthy will play in Week 5, but getting on the field is the first step. The most likely scenario is that McCarthy returns after the bye in Week 7. In the meantime, Carson Wentz will be under center until McCarthy is healthy enough to play. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on McCarthy's status next week.
Sep 26, 2025 9:36 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has already ditched his walking boot on his sprained right ankle, and the team is hoping to "get him up to speed quickly," according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. However, O'Connell declined to say if he was 100 percent committed to starting McCarthy over Carson Wentz once McCarthy is healthy. Wentz threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns and didn't commit any turnovers in a 48-10 blowout win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 with McCarthy sidelined, and McCarthy has already been ruled out for Week 4 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. O'Connell doesn't want the former first-rounder to play until mobility and ability to practice aren't affected by his ankle. The Michigan product had the NFL's second-lowest QBR (20.3) in the Week 2 loss to the Falcons, and it sounds like Minnesota isn't going to rush McCarthy back into the starting role until they're confident that he's ready. O'Connell said "there is value" in watching a veteran like Wentz play.
Sep 23, 2025 12:10 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out for their Week 4 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will take place in Dublin, Ireland. The 22-year-old suffered this injury following their Week 2 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The second-year QB was unable to suit up on Sunday and will remain sidelined through at least Week 4. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as the team will likely exercise caution regarding their franchise quarterback. The Vikings turned to veteran Carson Wentz this past Sunday, and he was relatively efficient in their victory over the Bengals, going 14-for-20 with 173 yards and two scores. Wentz projects to carry mid-end QB2 value in a matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.
Sep 22, 2025 7:11 PM EST
According to Tracy Wolfson of CBS, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is targeting a return in Week 7 following their week 6. Wolfson noted that McCarthy was not placed on IR and should be in the mix to return following their Week 6 bye. Managers should continue to monitor his status, as it appears the second-year QB is not expected to miss an extended period. While he remains sidelined, NFL journeyman Carson Wentz is slated to serve as Minnesota's QB1. During his first two games of his NFL career, McCarthy struggled to find much consistency as he went 24-for-41 with just 301 yards and a modest 2:3 TD:INT. However, since he missed his entire rookie season due to a meniscus tear, he may see some growing pains. Wentz carries QB2 value with upside in all formats for the time being, as he could find success throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison when he returns from suspension next week.
Sep 21, 2025 12:25 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will avoid injured reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the injury, McCarthy was able to finish the game and is now out of his walking boot as he begins ramping up his recovery. The Vikings head to London for Weeks 4 and 5 before a Week 6 bye, giving McCarthy a natural window to rest. While he is expected to travel with the team, his exact return timeline remains unclear. With McCarthy already ruled out for Week 3, veteran Carson Wentz will take over as the starter.
Sep 20, 2025 11:57 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has been officially ruled out for the Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. As expected, McCarthy will head to the sideline and is likely to miss 2-for-4 weeks of action. In his absence, Carson Wentz will take over under center for Sunday's contest. Wentz has reportedly been impressing the coaching staff during his short time in Minnesota. Wentz hasn't been a full-time starter in a few years, but is certainly capable of holding down the fort in Minnesota. He'll be limited in terms of weapons with Aaron Jones (hamstring) and Jordan Addison (suspension) both out for Week 3. Despite that, Wentz could still offer QB2 value against the shaky Bengals defense.
Sep 19, 2025 6:23 PM EST
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is expected to miss two to four weeks with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Sunday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Not only has McCarthy looked pretty bad in seven of the eight quarters he's played in the first two games of his NFL career, but now he's dealing with a multi-week injury. The good news is that when he's ready to return, he'll have receiver Jordan Addison back from suspension. Still, those expecting the 22-year-old former first-rounder to come in right away and play like Sam Darnold in head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense have had a rude awakening. McCarthy deserves to be stashed in superflex and dynasty/keeper leagues, but in the meantime, veteran Carson Wentz could be a sneaky QB2 in two-QB leagues, beginning in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sep 15, 2025 3:35 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is dealing with an ankle injury and is likely to miss the Week 3 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. If McCarthy doesn't get cleared for Sunday, it would be veteran Carson Wentz making his Vikings debut. Officially, McCarthy is considered week-to-week with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Sunday night's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If it's indeed a high-ankle sprain, it wouldn't be a surprise if the 22-year-old former first-rounder missed multiple games. McCarthy looked bad for three quarters in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears before leading a fourth-quarter comeback, but it was all ugly on Sunday night against Atlanta, as he went 11-for-21 for 158 yards, no touchdowns, and two picks. He also fumbled three times, losing one. It's a reminder of McCarthy's steep learning curve after he missed all of his rookie season with a torn meniscus in his knee.
Sep 15, 2025 3:13 PM EST
Things may be going from bad to worse for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, whose struggling offensive line is now facing additional injuries headed into Week 3. Already playing without star left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee), who is working his way back from ACL surgery last year, backup left tackle Justin Skule (concussion) departed Sunday's game against Atlanta, as did starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion). The Vikings' offense has been brutal for most of the season, and McCarthy was pressured a whopping 16 times in the humbling defeat to the Falcons. Starting running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) also left the game, so Minnesota's injury report will be worth watching prior to their Week 3 game against Cincinnati.
Sep 15, 2025 11:08 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a high-end Superflex option as his team plays host to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. Following a brutal first half in the season-opener at Chicago, the Michigan product came alive in the second half, accounting for three fourth-quarter touchdowns and his first NFL win. Now playing behind a home crowd and facing a friendlier matchup from a fantasy perspective, McCarthy has a reasonable opportunity to improve on a lackluster Week 1 from a completions and yards perspective. Attached to a strong supporting cast, McCarthy should give managers some value at the Superflex spot.
Sep 12, 2025 5:33 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy went 13 of 20 for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, leading his team to a 27-24 win against the Bears in his NFL debut. McCarthy looked overmatched early as the Vikings' stagnant run game left him facing frequent third-and-long situations. He had just 48 total yards at the half while taking two sacks, and then threw a pick-six early in the second half to put Minnesota down 17-6. McCarthy bounced back remarkably well after his costly mistake, delivering his best play in the fourth quarter when he accounted for all three of his touchdowns. The Vikings' run game picked up on the subsequent drive and set up McCarthy for 13-yard touchdown strike to Justin Jefferson. He later hit Aaron Jones for a 27-yard touchdown on a wheel route on a really well-placed ball between two defenders. Finally, he showed off his athleticism and impact as a runner with a 14-yard touchdown run on a read option to essentially ice the game. There will be plenty of growing pains for the 22-year-old signal caller, but he showed some positive signs in this game. McCarthy will be set to make his home debut next Sunday night against Atlanta.
Sep 9, 2025 12:25 AM EST
It has been a long wait, but quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a playable option in Superflex leagues with his Minnesota Vikings set to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The second-year quarterback missed his entire rookie season after sustaining a meniscus injury, but it's now his show in Minnesota after the Vikings parted ways with Sam Darnold in the offseason. He'll start with a road game against a strong Bears pass defense that allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the NFL and ranked seventh in pressure percentage in 2024. With a rebuilt interior offensive line, capable veterans at all skill positions -- including All-Pro Justin Jefferson at receiver -- and a quarterback-friendly coach, McCarthy is still worthy of holding a QB2 spot in Week 1.
Sep 6, 2025 3:48 PM EST
Jeff Howe of The Athletic writes that the Minnesota Vikings' offense "has been scaled down with quarterback J.J. McCarthy taking over." Howe also notes that there's "measured optimism" in league circles around McCarthy's future, but that a "seamless transition" should not be expected. The 22-year-old is taking over for the departed Sam Darnold under center in Minnesota after Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024. McCarthy has drawn favorable reviews for his play in training camp and the preseason, but there's always a level of unknown for a player who has not seen the field in an actual NFL game. McCarthy profiles as a high-end QB2 in redraft fantasy leagues.
Aug 29, 2025 10:41 AM EST
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