Kevin O’Connell Decides Plan for Injured J.J. McCarthy As Vikings Cut Ties With QB

“Then try to get him back to full participation heading into Week Seven against the Eagles. Let’s be clear. The Vikings are not just focused on when and how quickly they can get J.J. back on the field. They’re also focused on when they can get him in a groove and ready to play well,” Pelissero noted.

“This is not some type of soft benching. He has a legit high ankle sprain, but this is a guy who … hasn’t practiced on consecutive days since before the Week One opener this year.”

The pressing question now: will McCarthy be back in Week 7 against the Eagles on Oct. 19? If not, should he return four days later on the road against the Chargers?

“They do want to get — and fully intend for J.J. McCarthy to be back in the lineup — but they want to be smart about how they do it.”

 Asking him to jump back in on short rest, especially with a mismatched offensive line and extended layoff, would be asking a lot, particularly with Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh having coached McCarthy at Michigan and knowing many of his tendencies.

“He’s kind of entering the next phase of his rehab, where he can get a little bit more active and [we’re] looking forward to getting him back on the field … practicing with the team as soon as we can,” O’Connell said Wednesday.

Kevin O’Connell’s approach is clear: McCarthy’s return should be deliberate, not rushed. Though the Vikings’ offense is in flux, and an unexpected exit raises eyebrows.

Kevin O’Connell faces depth test as Vikings shuffle QB room

While McCarthy rehabs, the Vikings are rolling with Carson Wentz as their starter today against the Browns and Max Brosmer as the backup. For a third straight game, Desmond Ridder was expected to suit up as the emergency third QB. Nevertheless, in a surprising turn, Minnesota officially waived Ridder ahead of their Week 5 game. A clear sign they’re betting on their remaining options.

That move comes as part of broader roster shifts. The team placed center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve, signed guard Vershon Lee from the practice squad, and elevated both Henry Byrd (OL) and Cam Akers (RB).

Meanwhile, the O-line is hit hard—Donovan Jackson (wrist), Kelly (concussion), and Michael Jurgens (hamstring) are all sidelined. Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is out with a neck injury. That’s three-fifths of the starting offensive line unavailable.

Ripples are already felt in the trenches: rookie guard Joe Huber may get a call to step in at left guard, while Justin Skule could shift to right tackle. Not ideal, but with the lineup battered, it’s a necessary shuffle.

The next weeks will reveal how well this gamble pays off.