After missing five games with a high ankle sprain, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned to the field on Sunday, and his comeback couldn’t have come at a better time. With McCarthy back under center, the Vikings broke their losing streak with a 27-24 win over the Detroit Lions, one of the NFC’s top contenders.
In his third NFL start, McCarthy completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, and even added a 9-yard rushing score. When the Vikings needed a play late, he fired a 16-yard completion to Jalen Nailor on third-and-5 to seal the game and let Minnesota run out the clock.
How Did Fans React to J.J. McCarthy Leading the Vikings to a Win?
The win lifted the Minnesota Vikings to 4-4, reigniting hope after two straight losses and a bumpy stretch under backup Carson Wentz, who had been playing through a shoulder injury before being placed on injured reserve and undergoing season-ending surgery.
Wentz’s injury opened the door for J.J. McCarthy to return and reclaim the starting job that many thought he had lost due to poor early-season form. Regarding this, fans dropped their opinions on X.
“Deserves it so much after the road it took to get here. Jobs not finished,” a fan said.
“Always believed in our QB.. love this for JJ 🥹🥹💜💜,” one fan wrote.
“He is great under pressure. Huge trait. Just need to get more comfortable and let the game slow down a lil. When he has to scramble he stops being able to see downfield,” another fan commented.
Similar comments followed.
He’s got that Brady aura
— Cryptonic Juice (@CryptonicJuice) November 2, 2025
“I mean on the whole he wasn’t that good today but that was a great throw to ice it!” a fan said.
After questions about McCarthy’s readiness and speculation that his “injury” earlier in the season was a cover for being benched, Sunday’s win came just at the right time.
RIP to the worst widely accepted conspiracy theory I have ever seen. Thinking they were faking an injury to play Carson fucking Wentz was so laughable. https://t.co/7sjq5XjxkE
— Monte (@MONTECRI5TO) November 2, 2025
“Small sample here, and things can change quickly, but despite all the hate he’s gotten, JJ McCarthy is 2-1. Wentz went 2-3,” one fan commented.
“KOC really sacrificed the health and career of Carson Wentz for Jonathan James McCarthy ☝🏽😭,” another fan wrote.
After the game, McCarthy was asked about his return and the reception he received from his teammates in the locker room after the game. “It was awesome,” McCarthy said. “When you’re hurt, being on IR last year, and being out for five weeks, it absolutely kills me not being out there with those guys because I love every single one of them. I know they got my back, and I’ve got theirs, the rest of the way.”
Looking ahead, McCarthy and the Vikings, ranked 30th on PFSN’s Team OL Impact metrics, will host the Baltimore Ravens next.