The Vikings were on the road for Thursday Night Football against the Chargers in Week 8. For the University of Minnesota, Carson Wentz started at QB for five consecutive games.
JJ McCarthy suffered a high ankle sprain in the second game of the season against Atlanta. The young QB has missed the Vikings’ last five games and six straight weeks, including a bye. Minnesota lost 37-10 against the Chargers on TNF, making them 3-4 in 2025. After Thursday’s game, head coach Kevin O’Connell told the media that the plan is to have JJ McCarthy start in Week 9 against the Lions.
Minnesota desperately needs QB brilliance when JJ McCarthy returns
The Vikings appear to be paving the way for JJ McCarthy to return as the starting quarterback next week against Detroit.
via story @seifertespn:https://t.co/0OtD8P1QY3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 24, 2025
After a 22-6 loss to the Falcons in Week 2, Vikings QB JJ McCarthy complained of “significant pain” in his right ankle. Initially, head coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy’s injury could be classified as “week to week.” He told the media that doctors determined the young QB’s return could take up to six weeks. On Thursday, Oct. 23, JJ McCarthy missed his fifth consecutive game with Minnesota. Additionally, he has been sidelined for six weeks since his ankle injury.
McCarthy worked out with team doctors on Tuesday before playing against the Chargers at TNF. They determined that JJ McCarthy was not ready to play in Week 8. For the second straight game, McCarthy served as the emergency third-string QB. In Week 8, Carson Wentz was the starter and Max Brosmer was the backup.
JJ McCarthy was out in Week 2 with a sprained ankle, but his guys were running like Lamar Jackson on the sideline 😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/JJ82gWnnWI— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) October 24, 2025
The Vikings will receive a “mini-bye” after playing TNF in Week 8. This gives JJ McCarthy a few extra days of rest and recovery before the Vikings’ next game on Nov. 2. After the 37-10 loss, Kevin O’Connell said in interviews with the media that his plan was to have McCarthy start if he was available. O’Connell said he is hopeful that J.J.’s return will be soon.
Minnesota is in dire need of some QB brilliance. Since winning the bye in Week 8, the team has lost two games in a row, falling to 3 wins and 4 losses. Carson Wentz was dealing with a shoulder injury in Week 8 that limited his ability. He finished the game with 144 passing yards and one touchdown. Will JJ McCarthy return in Week 9 and help get Minnesota back on track? The team is scheduled to face the Detroit Lions in an NFC North showdown.
