JJ McCarthy Injury Update: Vikings QB to Miss Week 3 After Ankle Sprain

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not start in Week 3 after suffering an ankle sprain against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the news on Monday. The injury came during Sunday Night Football, where the Vikings fell short to Atlanta.

McCarthy’s setback means backup Carson Wentz is preparing to lead the team against the Cincinnati Bengals. ESPN reported the injury timeline could keep McCarthy sidelined for two to four weeks.

What Happened to J.J. McCarthy?

The 2024 first-round pick sprained his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday’s game. He left the field but tried to push through before being replaced. O’Connell said the injury is not serious enough for injured reserve. That is good news for the Vikings, but McCarthy will miss at least one start.

This is McCarthy’s second major injury since joining the NFL. Last year, a torn meniscus in preseason cost him his entire rookie year. The ankle sprain now delays his progress in his first full season. According to USA Today, the team is taking a cautious approach.

Through two starts, McCarthy has completed 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards. He has thrown two touchdowns and three interceptions. He led a comeback win in Week 1 over the Bears but struggled against Atlanta.

Carson Wentz Steps In

Carson Wentz will now step into the spotlight. The Vikings signed Wentz in the offseason after trading Sam Howell to Philadelphia. Wentz has not made a meaningful NFL start since 2022 with Washington. His last start ended in a 24-10 loss that hurt Washington’s playoff chances.

For Wentz, this is a chance to show he can still be a starter. The Bengals defense will test him right away. Vikings fans are eager to see if he can steady the offense until McCarthy returns. Rookie Max Brosmer will back up Wentz.

Impact on the Vikings Season

The injury comes at a tough time. The Vikings are 1-1 and face a stretch of tough games. McCarthy was drafted to be the long-term answer at quarterback. His absence now puts pressure on the entire offense. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will rely on Wentz to keep drives alive.

The Vikings know McCarthy is their future. Protecting him from long-term damage is the priority. A return in two to four weeks would put him back on the field by mid-October. That timeline keeps the season alive if Wentz can manage the gap.

The Vikings must adapt fast. McCarthy’s ankle injury is a setback, but not season-ending. The next few games with Wentz will decide if Minnesota can stay in the playoff race.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest JJ McCarthy injury update?

He sprained his ankle in Week 2 against the Falcons. He will miss Week 3 and could be out two to four weeks.

Q2: Will JJ McCarthy play in Week 3?

No. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy is doubtful. Carson Wentz will start against the Bengals.

Q3: Who is the Vikings backup quarterback?

Carson Wentz is the backup and will start in Week 3. Rookie Max Brosmer is listed as the third-string quarterback.

Q4: How have injuries affected JJ McCarthy’s career?

He missed all of his rookie season with a torn meniscus. Now he faces another setback with an ankle sprain.

Q5: When is JJ McCarthy expected to return?

Reports suggest he may return in two to four weeks. The team has not placed him on injured reserve.