Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Unfortunate Development Emerges for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 7:08 PM ET

J.J. McCarthy watched as Carson Wentz led the Minnesota Vikings to their third win of the 2025 NFL season, defeating Dillon Gabriel and the Cleveland Browns 21-17 in Week 5. Wentz had another strong outing filling in for McCarthy, recording 236 yards and a touchdown, while Justin Jefferson added seven receptions for 123 yards. Following a Week 6 bye, Minnesota now turns its attention to a Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has missed the last three games after suffering an ankle sprain in a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Wentz has filled in during his absence, helping Minnesota go 2-1 over that stretch. Now, however, Wentz is dealing with a shoulder injury of his own, leaving the Vikings’ quarterback situation for Week 7 in question.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after defeating the Chicago Bears.Matt Marton-Imagn Images

But sure enough, McCarthy returned to practice on Wednesdey and was listed as a limited participant. Went, on the other hand, practiced in full. Yet while coach Kevin O'Connell revealed that neither quarterback is 100%, he did hint that McCarthy "could" return against the Eagles if " practice goes very well."

During Wednesday’s media availability, McCarthy said he received a second opinion on his injury, which suggested a recovery timeline of up to six weeks. Now four weeks into that process, the former Michigan Wolverines quarterback could remain sidelined for Week 7.

"Biggest takeaway from J.J. McCarthy’s presser is that he acknowledges his right ankle is not 100% yet," ESPN's Kevin Seifert on X. "He also said he received a recovery timeframe via second opinions of up to 6 weeks. Not great signs for him playing this week."

In his weekly spot w/ @PAOnTheMic, Kevin O'Connell says:

+ Neither J.J. McCarthy (ankle) nor Carson Wentz (shoulder) are 100%
+ Sunday's QB won't be a secret
+ McCarthy "could" return this week if practice goes very well
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 14, 2025

And like O'Connell, McCarthy also noted his ankle is not fully healthy just yet.

"My ankle is getting there," McCarthy said. "I wouldn't say it's 100 percent right now, but we're striving every day to get there as fast as possible."

The Vikings will host the Eagles on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.

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

More must-reads: