Steelers Now
Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy likely won’t be on the field when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland two Sundays from now.
“ESPN sources: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is expected to be sidelined two-to-four weeks with a high ankle sprain,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote Monday on X. “With (McCarthy) out, Vikings QB Carson Wentz is now in line to start.”
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall choice of the 2024 NFL Draft, went 11 for 21 for 158 yards and two interceptions during the Vikings’ 22-6 loss at home on Sunday night. He missed all of his rookie campaign with a meniscus injury.
The quarterback McCarthy replaced, Sam Darnold, played a part in the Seattle Seahawks’ win over the Steelers on Sunday. Darnold went 22 for 33 for 295 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Despite adding veteran covermen Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay to their secondary this offseason, the Steelers rank seventh-worst in the league in passing yards allowed (513). Pittsburgh is dealing with injuries on the back end early, however, as third-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and starting safety DeShon Elliott were hurt in the team’s opener and missed the Seahawks matchup.
Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, has become a journeyman since being booted in favor of Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. Wentz backed up Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, playing in three games and making one start. He’s also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts since 2021.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: J.J. McCarthy Likely to Miss Steelers Clash in Ireland
