The P/PTSD Perspective: Sunday Hurt Vikings Fans, McCarthy Injury, and Former ‘Backer

Kevin O’Connell speaks to J.J. McCarthy and Vikings before Texans game.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed his team Aug 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before kickoff against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. O’Connell gathered players, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, during pregame to deliver final instructions and encouragement as Minnesota prepared for the exhibition contest, setting the tone for the evening’s matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past week in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.

The P/PTSD Perspective: October 18th, 2025

1) Sunday Hurt a Little for Minnesota Vikings Fans: Folks who follow Minnesota football aren’t particularly surprised by pain on Sunday. What’s a touch more odd is that the “hurt” arrived during the bye when the Vikings weren’t active. Check out the piece to learn more about the issue.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell in 2024.
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

2) There’s a J.J. McCarthy Injury Update: The status of Mr. J.J. McCarthy has been an ongoing source of fascination and frustration for many onlookers. The good news is that his ankle is progressing, meaning he’s soon to get back onto the field. Once there, the 22-year-old passer will be looking to prove that he has the potential to develop into a franchise quarterback.

3) Last Year’s Out-of-Nowhere Vikings Linebacker Joins Raiders: NFL roster shuffling is (almost) always ongoing. So, no major surprise that a former Viking picked up work somewhere else. Las Vegas is a team that’s struggling. Ideally, the former Viking can stick around in Sin City while pushing the team forward within its rebuild.

Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Las Vegas Raiders helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images.

4) Vikings Star Has Yet to Return to the Starting Lineup: Somewhat of a slow progression for the veteran. In time, Harrison Smith is likely to resume his job as being a starting safety. Few, if any, can process the game like he does. The lone question that remains is if his athleticism has declined to a level where Minnesota needs to lean on Theo Jackson and Josh Metellus more and more.

5) Vikings Have Taken an Unexpected Loss: A very bizarre development that few could foresee. Since taking over in Houston, Ed Ingram has been playing good ball. Were there very many Vikings fans who saw that one coming?

guard
Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and guard Ed Ingram (67) in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Enjoy the extra reading, Vikings fans.


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I'm the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. I am Canadian.