Despite multiple roadblocks, the Minnesota Vikings had one plan this season: training J.J. McCarthy to lead their team.
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in 2024, has remained the key piece in the Vikings’ future vision. However, considering their injury-laden roster, the Vikings might have to put their plans regarding McCarthy on hold.
Is Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy’s 2025–26 NFL Season Off to a Bad Start?
Last season, McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus. The young quarterback did his best to support the team from the sidelines, embodying a positive approach and powering through recovery.
However, his sophomore season in the NFL is also off to an unfortunate start with an ankle sprain.
During their Week 2 loss against the Atlanta Falcons, McCarthy went for a 16-yard gain before being grabbed by Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss. While he didn’t use the medical tent and finished the game, McCarthy informed his team that his ankle was bothering him.
𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: Vikings star QB JJ McCarthy (ankle) is expected to return for Week 7, per @tracywolfson
4 more weeks of Carson Wentz…😅 pic.twitter.com/48MH2NA9Xi
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 21, 2025
“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,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on Twitter.
McCarthy had a historic debut against the Chicago Bears, leading the Vikings to a comeback victory. Overcoming an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, McCarthy finished with 143 yards passing on 13-of-20 completions. He also scored two touchdowns.
Against the Falcons, he went 11 of 21 with 158 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. He was also sacked six times. Overall, McCarthy has completed 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards with two TDs and three interceptions.
Postgame, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke about McCarthy’s injury and time off:
“For him, part of this journey is making sure you acknowledge what it felt like in the moment. Did I take the right footwork? Did I play with the kind of technique and fundamentals and have my eyes in the right spots? And on what plays did I do that? And what did that look like? And then what plays, maybe could it have been a little bit more consistent? And then what did those plays turn out like? And then just evaluate each play as its own, but always with the same principles of playing the position.” That being said, the team has decided against placing McCarthy on Injury Reserve (IR).
Can Carson Wentz Carry the Team Until McCarthy’s Return?
With McCarthy away, Vikings backup QB and veteran Carson Wentz will be playing as QB1.
Wentz will be a steady, experienced presence on the field, easily filling in before McCarthy returns. Furthermore, if Wentz performs well, there’s a chance that the veteran might continue as QB1 even as McCarthy comes back to the field, especially if he can adjust to Justin Jefferson’s style of play.
Wentz, in his own way, is ready to play as the starting QB. The Vikings’ Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at 1:00 p.m. EST.
