Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is facing another career pause after suffering a high ankle sprain during the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the second-year QB will miss two to four weeks, adding that the team won’t rush his return. While O’Connell praised McCarthy’s attitude and commitment to film study and meetings, the Vikings must now turn to veteran Carson Wentz to guide the offense in a critical early stretch of the season.
A rough start to McCarthy’s NFL journey
McCarthy entered the 2025 season under pressure to prove himself after missing his rookie year with a torn meniscus. His first two games showed flashes but also struggles. In only two games, he has 41 pass attempts and played just 95 snaps. His QBR sits at a league-low 20.1. For a quarterback drafted 10th overall in 2024, the numbers highlight how limited his game action has been so far.
Despite the injuries and inconsistency, O’Connell credited McCarthy for staying engaged. The 22-year-old has been a constant presence in team meetings, film sessions, and play installs, even while wearing a walking boot.
Coaches view this as a positive sign of his commitment, but missing live snaps hurts his development. Every rep is important for a young quarterback learning the NFL, and with back-to-back injuries, McCarthy’s growth has already been delayed more than expected.
Vikings rely on Veterans as QB depth gets tested
With McCarthy sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Carson Wentz, who takes over as the starter. Wentz, now on his fourth team in as many years, threw for only 118 yards last season but brings experience the Vikings hope can stabilize the offense. Behind him, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer moves into the backup role after an encouraging preseason, and newly signed Desmond Ridder will be the emergency No. 3 quarterback.
Also read: Why the Miami Dolphins should consider hiring Bill Belichick as head coachThe upcoming schedule is unforgiving. Minnesota faces the Bengals, Steelers, and Browns, with two of those games played overseas in Dublin and London before a Week 6 bye. McCarthy could realistically target a return in Week 7 against the Eagles, but O’Connell made clear the team won’t risk a setback by rushing him back.
For now, the Vikings must balance short-term survival with long-term investment in their young quarterback, knowing each missed game slows his path toward becoming the franchise leader they drafted him to be.
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