Adam Schefter Announces Update On J.J. McCarthy's Recovery Time

J.J. McCarthy injured

Per the senior NFL insider, McCarthy could miss extended time with the injury he suffered in Minnesota's primetime defeat after already being ruled out for Week 3's game vs. the Bengals (a team that's dealing with a significant quarterback injury of its own).

As Schefter reports, McCarthy is expected to be sidelined 2-4 weeks with a high ankle sprain — opening the door for backup Carson Wentz to potentially start for the next month.

The former Michigan star missed all of last season with a preseason ACL tear that forced him to sit and watch Sam Darnold in 2024. And after letting Darnold walk to the Seattle Seahawks following a 14-3 campaign, the Vikes' first-round pick will once again be forced to watch in street clothes.

Kevin O'Connell says QB is 'very sore'

Speaking to reporters at the top of the week, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that McCarthy was definitely feeling the effects of the sprain and that he would likely be ruled out for the team's next game against Cincinnati.

"We are not planning on having [McCarthy] for Sunday," O'Connell said, via ESPN.com. "I don't likely see this being any kind of short-term IR thing, but I do want to see how he responds to treatment this week."

O'Connell also revealed that running back Aaron Jones Sr. will likely be out for Sunday's game as well with a hamstring injury.

J.J. has been sacked nine times over his first two starts and has definitely taken more punishment that his coach would like to see just a few weeks into the season.

Outside of Monday night's fourth quarter, it's really been tough sledding for the former top-10 pick. Hopefully some time away to heal leads to more consistent performances whenever he's able to get back on the field.

Through two games, McCarthy has completed just 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards with two touchdowns, three interceptions and a rushing TD.