J.J. McCarthy’s Return Date Comes into Focus
J.J. McCarthy absolutely must return to the Minnesota Vikings’ lineup sooner rather than later, as his development is arguably the top priority of the 2025 season. And thanks to some context clues, all signs point to his comeback in Week 9 at the Detroit Lions.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hasn’t played since Week 2, but after weeks of healing his high ankle sprain, his return date has taken shape.
It’s not an ideal spot for a young quarterback’s return, but the time is way past due for McCarthy to experience rosy NFL outcomes.
J.J. McCarthy Appears on Track to Start Again in Week 9
The logistics of the Vikings’ schedule are easy to decipher.
McCarthy Limited at Practice This Week; His Counterpart Is Not
Folks have kept track of McCarthy’s injury recovery for slightly over a month after the Week 2 high ankle sprain, crossing their fingers that McCarthy could return to the starting lineup before too long.
Vikings.com‘s Rob Kleifield and Craig Peters wrote Wednesday, “Veteran Carson Wentz and second-year pro J.J. McCarthy participated in Wednesday’s practice, but Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said the team is not ready to announce the starting QB for Minnesota’s Week 7 home game against Philadelphia.”
“Both quarterbacks also participated in media sessions on Wednesday afternoon, as custom for the player starting the following Sunday. Both are on the mend. Wentz is rehabbing his left, non-throwing shoulder after taking a big hit during a scramble in Week 5 against Cleveland. McCarthy has been rehabbing a high-ankle sprain he suffered at the end of a run in Week 2 against Atlanta.”
Wentz, as a full participant, isn’t a gospel-like hint for Week 7, but it’s a serious indicator that McCarthy will likely sit out Week 7.
A Short Week for Thursday Night Football
O’Connell has mentioned ground rules for McCarthy’s return in the last month, claiming he wouldn’t decide McCarthy was suddenly healthy on a Saturday and toss him into the lineup the following day. The coach insists that McCarthy undertake a full week of practice before returning to his QB1 post.
Well, he won’t get that in Week 8, not leading up to a Thursday Night Football Game.
At best, McCarthy would have a miniature build-up to the Week 8 game at Los Angeles, and that just doesn’t seem like what O’Connell would have in mind for his young quarterback to reassume the reins of the starting quarterback spot.
Therefore, if McCarthy misses Week 7 — it’s trending that way — Week 8 is likely a package deal.
A Chance to “Ramp Up” for 10 Days
Then, consider the other side of the coin after Thursday Night Football.
McCarthy, assuming the high ankle sprain of 4-6 weeks applies to him — it better — he would have 10 days to ramp up for Week 9. “Ramping up” is one of O’Connell’s favorite coach-speak terms, using it weekly in 2023 to describe Justin Jefferson’s return to the lineup after a hamstring injury.
If one assumes that McCarthy won’t play against the Eagles this Sunday, Minnesota would have a choice between a four-day ramp-up against the Chargers or a 10-dayer against the Lions.
Take one big fat guess which avenue Minnesota would probably pick. Yes — the 10-day scenario.
Then, Showtime.
After that, it’s go-time for McCarthy. Sans two games to start the 2025 season, McCarthy will have missed about a year and half of his rookie development due to injuries, and that’s just not acceptable or sustainable.
At some point, the Vikings must rip the band-aid off and evaluate McCarthy in 2025. Depending on the rest of the season, Minnesota could have a reasonably high draft pick next April, and if McCarthy is habitually hurt, well, the franchise may have to ponder an additional rookie passer in 2026. Food for thought.
On the whole, circle Week 9 at the Lions as McCarthy’s probable return date. If not then, when?
ESPN on McCarthy
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted on McCarthy this week: “J.J. McCarthy’s high right ankle sprain is ‘getting there’ but is not yet 100%, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback said Wednesday in his first comments since suffering the injury Sept. 14. McCarthy also revealed that he received ‘well-respected second opinions’ that indicated his timetable to return could be up to six weeks.”
“He was limited in practice Wednesday. While coach Kevin O’Connell hasn’t named a starter for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Wednesday’s circumstances indicated that Carson Wentz is in line to make his fourth consecutive start. Wentz, who has been dealing with a sore left shoulder, was a full participant Wednesday. McCarthy called the ankle injury ‘really annoying.’ When asked if he thinks he is at a point where he could play, he joked that he would play even if his ankle were cut off.”
With two somewhat hobbled passers, it’s worth noting that the Vikings also have Max Brosmer on the depth chart, who dazzled in the preseason and is closer than ever to a snap or a few under center.
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