After missing out on his entire rookie season due to an injury, JJ McCarthy was healthy in the first week of 2025. He first started with the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy was 27-24, vs. They pulled the Chicago Bears 27-24.
During the Falcons’ second week loss, JJ McCarthy suffered an ankle injury. The 22-year-old was excluded for 2-5 weeks due to an injury. Instead, Carson Wentz began for the Vikings. Minnesota is holding its second international match in week 5. They will face the London Browns. On Friday morning, NFL Insiders reported that McCarthy was out again for the Vikings. Carson Wentz will start in Minnesota for the third consecutive time.
When will JJ McCarthy return to the Minnesota Vikings?
#vikings QB JJ McCarthy has been officially ruled out in Sunday’s match. #browns.
Carson Wentz will start again without three starters (C Ryan Kelly, RT Brian O’Neill and LG Donovan Jackson) and three starters, back-up C Michael Jurgens. LB Andrew Van Ginkel is also on sale.
-Tom Pelissero (@tompelissero) October 3, 2025
At the beginning of the 2025 season, Minnesota’s offense lacked some key players. In Week 5 Matchup vs. Browns, the Vikings don’t have three offensive linemen and one backup. These include Ryan Kelly, Brian O’Neill, Donovan Jackson and Michael Jurgens. RB Aaron Jones’ start is in the IR due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, QB JJ McCarthy missed out on his third straight game due to an injury in the fifth week.
The young QB deals with ankle injuries. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team is “looking forward to” McCarthy returning to practice. He pointed out that they didn’t want McCarthy to return earlier and risk further injuries. That’s why Carson Wentz is getting a nod again in week 5. He has started three times in a row with the Minnesota Vikings.
final #minvscle Injury report
OUT: Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Michael Jurgens, JJ McCarthy, Brian O’Neill, Andrew Van Ginkel
Suspicious: Tyler Batty*, CJ Ham*, Ben Yurosek
*Return to practice and return to the current 21 day practice window pic.twitter.com/4ytyk4vkb0
– Minnesota Viking (@vikings) October 3, 2025
Wentz is his 10th professional season and his sixth team over the years. The 32-year-old was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. He appeared in three games and started once in Kansas City. Carson Wentz has started at least one game in each of his last six seasons. The one-off Super Bowl champions made their first start of the 2025 season in Week 3 and with the Bengals.
Mineota mostly won as his defense scored multiple touchdowns in a 48-10 loss. However, Wentz and the Vikings fought against the Steelers in week four, losing 24-21. The veteran QB was 30-46 with 350 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was also fired six times for that defeat by Pittsburgh. The Vikings’ offensive line dealt with injuries in week 4. And they were able to stack up in week 5. Minnesota has a much-needed goodbye in week 6.
