Carson Wentz handled quarterback duties once again during the Vikings’ lopsided loss on Thursday. By the time Minnesota plays again, though, J.J. McCarthy may be back in the fold. 
McCarthy has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. The 2024 first-rounder has dressed as the Vikings’ emergency No. 3 quarterback in each of the past two games, a further sign he is nearing a return to full health. That could be the case in time for Week 9. When McCarthy is back at full strength, he will return to QB1 duties.
“If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play,” head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed after yesterday’s game (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “That’s been the case since the injury. That’s always been kind of my mindset, and I believe we’re right — hopefully — around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete.”
With Minnesota having played on a Thursday, the team now has an extended period to prepare for Week 9. The Vikings will take on the Lions in their next contest, and having McCarthy available would of course be a welcomed development for the team’s offense in the short term and his ability to continue developing over the remainder of the season. McCarthy, 22, missed his entire rookie campaign while recovering from meniscus surgery before his current stretch of absences due to a high ankle sprain.
Aside from his fourth-quarter performance against the Bears in Week 1, McCarthy has not met expectations when on the field so far. Improving on his early showings once healthy will be critical for the Michigan product’s long-term development and Minnesota’s playoff chances. The Vikings sit at 3-4 on the year at a time when each of the NFC North’s other teams sport a winning record.
Last night’s game was the latest example of the “significant left shoulder injury” Wentz has been playing through for most his five-game run as the team’s starter. The 32-year-old said (via Seifert) Thursday’s performance included “quite possibly” the most pain he has played through in an NFL contest. Wentz will have time to heal provided McCarthy starts in Week 9, however, something which looks to be the team’s plan at this point.
He’s gonna be killed behind this offensive line. More importantly, I don’t think he’s the long term answer. Not looking forward to another Christian Ponder experience.
No doubt, Chargers almost put Carson into an early grave!
He’s not even 23 yet and he’s played all of two NFL games. Seems a little early to give up on him. And while the line has had troubles, he had to experience it without Darrisaw, and Wentz has a history of making pass protection look worse.
Yeah, already seems injury prone. It’s the basics he’s having trouble with. Footwork, release. And he’s had ample time to work on it.
Footwork can improve with reps and coaching. He’s only been able to have so many reps. And “seems injury prone” doesn’t mean it’s going to be a problem forever. Michael Penix is three years older and has a much worse injury history, but he doesn’t seem to get that label.
The key words being ” When healthy”. When exactly is that? In 2 years he’s played like 1 decent quarter. Had to be against the Bears too! This is where I put the shock emoji.
Methinks the concept of “healthy” will elude McCarthy for the better portion of his career.
I guess the “Wentz is better” crowd faded away.
Part of it was that he wasn’t healthy, but McCarthy is still an unknown and will have to prove himself behind a struggling O-line.