Pro Football Rumors
The Vikings are currently on their bye after two straight overseas games. It remains to be seen what their quarterback situation will be for Week 7, but J.J. McCarthy is making strides toward a return.
Minnesota’s 2025 starter took part in practice Monday. That development came after McCarthy was sidelined through each of the past three weeks due to a high ankle sprain. The Vikings have not rushed the 2024 first-rounder back onto the field, relying on Wentz to handle starting duties in Week 3 as well as both of their international contests. With McCarthy participating in practice, though, he could be in line to return in time for Week 7.
“J.J. got some work today, and he’ll get some work the rest of the week,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said (via Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune). “We’ll pick it up officially next week, but I’m encouraged about where he’s at right now.”
McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign while recovering from meniscus surgery, but he was the Vikings’ unquestioned QB1 entering this season. His first action atop the depth chart did not go according to plan, aside from a strong fourth quarter in Week 1. That no doubt played a role in O’Connell declining to conclusively state McCarthy will reprise his role as starter once he is fully healed. By next week, though, Wentz may not be in position to play even if that were to be the team’s presence.
Wentz injured his left (that is, non-throwing) shoulder during Minnesota’s comeback win against the Browns on Sunday. O’Connell noted the 32-year-old was “pretty sore” upon returning from London. The coming days will be key in evaluating his status for Week 7. It will be interesting to see how the Vikings proceed at the quarterback spot if both McCarthy and Wentz are available by that point.
Minnesota sits at 3-2 on the year and a stable run of play from the quarterback spot will be key in determining if another playoff berth proves to be attainable. The team’s long-term plans will of course depend largely on McCarthy’s development, a process which could resume as early as Week 7 against the Eagles.
