J.J. McCarthy Injury Update: Will Vikings QB Return vs. Eagles in Week 7?

J.J. McCarthy is back on the practice field for the Minnesota Vikings, giving fans a glimmer of hope ahead of their crucial Week 7 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. The second-year quarterback, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with an ankle injury, participated in a bonus practice on Monday as the team returned from its bye week.

However, despite the positive development, McCarthy’s return has not shifted the betting line for Sunday’s matchup. Oddsmakers still list the Vikings as 2.5-point home underdogs, and head coach Kevin O’Connell remains non-committal about his starting quarterback for the week.

J.J. McCarthy Returns to Practice But Status Remains Uncertain

The Vikings’ Week 7 game against Philadelphia could mark McCarthy’s first action in over a month if his recovery continues to progress. The 2024 first-round pick sustained the ankle injury during Minnesota’s Week 2 win over the Atlanta Falcons, cutting short a season that was already important for his development after missing all of his rookie year with a knee injury.

Through two starts in 2025, McCarthy has thrown for 301 yards and completed 58.5% of his passes. He also led the Vikings to a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in Week 1. Still, O’Connell has repeatedly emphasized that McCarthy must complete a full week of practice before being cleared to return, making Wednesday through Friday critical in determining his availability.

“We want J.J. to be fully ready and comfortable,” O’Connell told reporters. “The goal is to make sure he’s prepared to play at a high level, not just rush him back.”

Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who is also dealing with a shoulder issue, could get the start if McCarthy is unable to go. That uncertainty is likely why the oddsmakers have not moved the line despite the young quarterback’s return to the field.

Betting Line Holds Steady Despite Positive Injury News

DraftKings and other sportsbooks opened the Eagles-Vikings line with Minnesota as a 2.5-point home underdog on Sunday night. That line has not budged, even with McCarthy’s participation in practice. Philadelphia, despite entering Week 7 on a two-game losing streak, is still viewed as the stronger side given Minnesota’s quarterback situation.

The market’s cautious approach reflects ongoing doubts about McCarthy’s readiness and effectiveness. After two seasons marred by injuries, he has yet to build consistent momentum at the NFL level. Until Minnesota confirms its starter and McCarthy logs multiple full practices, bettors appear unwilling to back the Vikings more aggressively.

For Minnesota, the stakes are significant. A win over Philadelphia would not only help the team climb back into NFC playoff contention but also build confidence around McCarthy’s future as the franchise quarterback. Conversely, another absence would delay that development and put more pressure on Wentz or any backup option to keep the team competitive.

With five days until kickoff, all eyes will be on McCarthy’s status reports and practice participation. If he clears the team’s benchmarks and starts Sunday, it could inject fresh optimism into Minnesota’s offense — but for now, the Eagles remain slight favorites in Week 7.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest J.J. McCarthy injury update?

McCarthy returned to practice Monday after missing time with an ankle injury. His Week 7 status remains uncertain, pending full practices this week.

Q2: Will J.J. McCarthy play against the Eagles?

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has not committed to McCarthy playing. His availability will depend on how he practices from Wednesday through Friday.

Q3: Why haven’t Vikings vs. Eagles odds changed?

Despite McCarthy’s return, sportsbooks have kept Minnesota as a 2.5-point underdog due to uncertainty about his status and effectiveness.

Q4: Who will start if McCarthy can’t play?

Carson Wentz is the likely starter if McCarthy isn’t ready. However, Wentz is also dealing with a shoulder injury.

Q5: How has McCarthy performed this season?

He has thrown for 301 yards with a 58.5% completion rate in two games, leading a comeback win in Week 1 before getting injured in Week 2.