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J.J. McCarthy's Injury: When Will Vikings Quarterback Play?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings had high hopes for J.J. McCarthy entering the 2025 season, but those plans have been paused yet again. After missing his entire rookie year with a knee injury, McCarthy’s second season has now been interrupted by a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 2 against Atlanta.

Fans tuning in for "Thursday Night Football" against the Chargers will once again see Carson Wentz under center, as McCarthy remains sidelined. The Vikings hoped he would return by now, but the injury has proven more stubborn than expected. McCarthy was initially expected to miss just two to three weeks. He even finished the game in which he got hurt, raising optimism that it was a mild issue.

According to Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, as quoted by ESPN's Kevin Seifert, McCarthy needs to be in a state where he could "do his job for 60 minutes without having any setbacks or making his job more difficult than it has to be."

Succinct explanation from Kevin O'Connell on what the Vikings are waiting for with J.J. McCarthy. Not a return to some mythical state of complete health. He'll have to push through some. But enough function to "do his job for 60 minutes" w/ no setbacks or limiting factors. pic.twitter.com/GsltG6Wyn6
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 22, 2025

McCarthy’s Road Back From Ankle Trouble

As the weeks have rolled on, Minnesota kept him inactive, choosing caution over risk. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that McCarthy remains the emergency third quarterback for now, explaining that while the young passer is improving, “he’s just not there yet.”

O’Connell added that McCarthy could have played if this week’s matchup was on a Sunday instead of a short Thursday turnaround. That’s a promising sign, suggesting that a return could come soon. After the Vikings' Thursday game in Week 8, their next game will be against the Detroit Lions on November 2, giving McCarthy a 10-day window.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell talks with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) Matt Marton-Imagn Images

What Fans Should Expect Next

When McCarthy returns, the Vikings will be watching closely to see how he handles game action after missing so much time. Through two starts this season, he completed just 58.5 percent of his passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. The growing pains were visible, but his arm talent and mobility hinted at the potential that made him a top-10 draft pick.

Minnesota currently sits at the bottom of a tight NFC North race, and getting their young quarterback healthy could shift their offensive outlook. Wentz has filled in admirably, posting a 2-2 record, but the long-term vision revolves around McCarthy’s development. The Vikings invested heavily in him as their future, and this stretch of missed time only delays their evaluation.

Vikings Upcoming Schedule

Week 8: at Chargers (Thursday Night Football)
Week 9: at Lions
Week 10: vs Ravens
Week 11: vs Bears
Week 12: at Packers
Week 13: at Seahawks

The team hopes McCarthy can return for that Week 9 divisional game against Detroit, which could carry major playoff implications. If he’s truly close, those extra days of rest might be all he needs to finally get back on the field.

At this point, the Vikings aren’t rushing it. After losing a full rookie season to injury, the franchise wants its young quarterback healthy enough to stay there.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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