Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will need to be able to play a game without having any restrictions or setbacks before returning, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy has been working his way back from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered back in Week 2 against the Falcons and is "just not there" to be ready on a short week against the Chargers in Week 8. Veteran Carson Wentz will make his fifth start of the season while McCarthy works through some of the final stages of his rehab. The 22-year-old will again serve as the emergency QB3 behind Max Brosmer on Thursday night before hopefully returning as Minnesota's starter in Week 9 against the Lions.
Oct 22, 2025 10:12 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that if the team were playing on a Sunday in Week 8, quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) "might have a chance to go." Veteran Carson Wentz will make a fifth straight start in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, but O'Connell's comments seem to put McCarthy on track to be available to start in Week 9 against the division-rival Detroit Lions, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McCarthy was put through an on-field workout on Tuesday morning. The Vikings are encouraged by his progress from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered back in Week 2, but "he's just not there" on a short week. The 22-year-old will be the emergency QB3 again this week behind Max Brosmer on Thursday night. Minnesota still believes in McCarthy as their QB of the future, but more growing pains should be expected from fantasy managers when he eventually returns to the starting gig this year, whether it be in Week 9 or later.
Oct 21, 2025 3:25 PM EST
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) could soon have the starting job back after the Minnesota Vikings lost 28-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, after which multiple members of the team highlighted the mistakes in the passing game that proved costly in quarterback Carson Wentz's fourth straight start. Wentz had two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and committed a baffling intentional grounding penalty while in the red zone that forced the Vikings into a field goal attempt. Wentz called his second-quarter interception "dumb" and "not a wise decision," while coach Kevin O'Connell and receiver Justin Jefferson both stressed cleaning up mistakes, which held the Vikings to one touchdown from six trips inside the Eagles' 20-yard line. McCarthy still hasn't been given the full vote of confidence as he returns from his injury and still could miss another week, but Sunday seemed to quell talk of a lingering controversy in Minnesota.
Oct 20, 2025 10:24 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is currently recovering as he tries to work his way back from a multi-week absence. However, even when McCarthy is healthy again, he's not guaranteed to reclaim the starting quarterback job in Minnesota. Carson Wentz (shoulder) has been playing well as the Vikings' fill-in starter, and it could be tempting for head coach Kevin O'Connell to ride the hot hand. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "the Vikings are putting off [the quarterback] decision until they absolutely have to make it. If Wentz wins this week, wins next week, it's hard to imagine the team making him the backup, after that run of success." McCarthy remains a strong stash in dynasty leagues, but he has lost plenty of his redraft appeal.
Oct 19, 2025 10:42 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is expected to be the emergency third QB for Sunday's matchup against the Eagles, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. McCarthy is set to miss his fourth straight game after suffering a high ankle sprain in Minnesota's Week 2 loss to the Falcons. There was an expectation that McCarthy would be ready to go out of the team's bye in Week 6, but they opted to give him some more time to rest. Veteran Carson Wentz is in line to make another start against his former team in Week 7. He's completed 69% of his passes for 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in McCarthy's place and holds some value in two-quarterback leagues.
Oct 17, 2025 4:47 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he is focused on "building that foundation back up" when discussing quarterback J.J. McCarthy's (ankle) fundamentals, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. McCarthy returned to practice on Monday for the first time since injuring his ankle in Week 2. However, he has not yet officially been named Minnesota's starter in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lewis reports that McCarthy's health and the team's confidence in his throwing mechanics are both hurdles that he needs to overcome before taking the field. If McCarthy remains out of action in Week 7, veteran Carson Wentz (shoulder) would likely make his fourth straight start against Philadelphia. However, Wentz suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5 before Minnesota's Week 6 bye that puts his availability in question. Fantasy managers will need to check back later this week for an update on the Vikings' quarterback situation in Week 7.
Oct 14, 2025 11:14 AM EST
With the Vikings preparing to play the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, head coach Kevin O'Connell has no plans to name his starting quarterback just yet. J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and Carson Wentz (shoulder) will both practice this week after carrying injuries into the bye week, and O'Connell plans to assess what he sees before making a decision. The team started the year 1-1 under McCarthy before he was sidelined by an ankle injury sustained late in a Week 2 loss to the Falcons. They've since gone 2-1 with Wentz, with both Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson benefiting from the improved passing volume over that time. McCarthy was the 10th overall pick of the 2024 Draft, so the expectation is that he will again be named the starter as soon as he is healthy, but with Wentz proving capable as his backup, the leash might be shorter than once thought coming into the year.
Oct 13, 2025 2:47 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) had a productive bye week and should return to practice within the next few days. However, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, McCarthy's availability for Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles remains uncertain. The second-year signal caller "is not 100 percent," and it remains to be seen how his ankle will respond to consecutive days of practice. Fantasy managers should look for updates when the Vikings post their official injury reports during the upcoming week, as those reports will offer more clarity on McCarthy's practice involvement and whether he's trending in the right direction for Week 7. If he can't play, Carson Wentz (shoulder) should be the presumptive starter.
Oct 12, 2025 10:35 AM EST
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
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