Vikings' JJ McCarthy situation just got even worse 1 December 31, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a pass during the pregame before the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.Ncaa Fiesta Bowl Game

Vikings’ JJ McCarthy situation just got even worse

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 5:03 PM ET

Outside of the fourth quarter against the Bears in Week 1, Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy has not looked good. He and the Minnesota offense got nothing going versus Atlanta on Sunday night, due in part to two McCarthy interceptions. Now, it appears that he won’t even be able to take the field in Week 3: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that he is expected to miss at least two weeks with an ankle sprain, suffered in the game against the Falcons. For every NFC North team but the Packers, the season is off to a decidedly suboptimal start.

ESPN sources: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is expected to be sidelined two-to-four weeks with a high ankle sprain.

With McCarthy out, Vikings QB Carson Wentz is now in line to start. pic.twitter.com/iZ1qvackMV

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2025

Vikings’ QB disappointment continues

For the Vikings moving forward, backup Carson Wentz will take over under center. A one-time starter in Philadelphia and former No. 2 pick, Wentz has attempted just 43 passes the past two seasons as a backup for the Rams and Chiefs. As much as McCarthy has struggled in his NFL debut, it is probably a downgrade for Minnesota.

At least as importantly, it also means that the Vikings’ 10th overall selection in the 2024 draft will have his development as potential franchise QB put on hold. McCarthy sat out all last year after suffering a torn meniscus in the preseason.

Compared to Minnesota’s last two passers in the pocket, McCarthy offers a much different, and in many ways a superior skillset. A much better athlete than the statuesque Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins, McCarthy allows for a more versatile, faster-paced Vikings offense than what the Packers and other NFC North teams have had to deal with in recent years. The upside is there if he can figure it out at the NFL level.

In the short-term, of course, financial considerations aside, going from Cousins to Darnold to McCarthy is not a positive trajectory. Now it’s Wentz. At this point in his career, from an athletic standpoint he is closer to the former two, limiting the offense further.

The Packers and Vikings won’t meet until Week 12, by which point McCarthy should be back on the active roster. In the meantime, though, the Purple People Eaters can’t be happy with how the new era of Vikings football has begun.

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

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