Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2, and reports on his recovery continue to worsen. Initially, it was revealed he would only miss one game, but that was quickly changed to two to six weeks.
Read more: Vikings HC Provides Injury and Timeline Return Update for JJ McCarthy
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell recently stated that McCarthy had not returned to practice, and he was still working his way back from the ankle injury.
“J.J. is working his way back and is entering the next phase of his rehab where he can get a little more active. Looking forward to getting him back on the field practicing with the team as soon as we can. But at the same time, we want to be smart and let that high ankle fully heal, and then he can really start attacking it. Working on his technique and fundamentals and getting reacclimated, which I think he will do very quickly,” O’Connell said.
Now, it appears that things are a bit bleaker than expected. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the recovery for McCarthy might be even longer than expected.
“For now, his focus is on capping a two-week European trip with a win over the Browns. And O’Connell has earned the benefit of the doubt that when McCarthy is ready, when he’s had a full week of practice and when he’s healthy, he’ll be the starter. I’ve been told by multiple sources that McCarthy isn’t healthy, and while the target return has been Week 7 against the Eagles, it could still be longer.”
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From sources, it appears that the target date of return for McCarthy was for Week 7, but he is “not healthy.” This is devastating considering the young passer continues to lose ground on the season while he recovers.
Russini did indicate that her sources have stated that when McCarthy returns for a full week of practice, he will be the starter again. However, if Wentz can put together two wins against the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, who’s to say that O’Connell won’t change his mind about who remains under center?
That is wild speculation, but McCarthy looked lost against a tough Atlanta Falcons defense, and that panic level might be cause for concern moving forward. Also, should this ankle injury get any worse, the Vikings may need to shut him down for the season.
McCarthy suffered a meniscus tear in 2024, ending his rookie season. Now, he has an ankle injury that is taking some time to heal. Ankle injuries can do that, but the young signal caller might also be viewed as “injury prone” if he cannot work his way back to starting soon.
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