The Minnesota Vikings may have to proceed without their primary quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, for the Week 3 game opposing the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned earlier in the week that McCarthy is managing a twisted ankle resulting from the team’s 22-6 defeat by the Atlanta Falcons during a high-profile Sunday Night Football matchup.
Assuming McCarthy is not fit to play on Sunday, Carson Wentz is projected to begin for Minnesota. Due to Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s absence caused by a foot problem, Wentz would encounter backup Jake Browning in Week 3.
O’Connell mentioned that McCarthy presented himself “extremely sore” at the start of the week, which encouraged the team to further examine his ankle. Despite O’Connell not foreseeing McCarthy playing in Week 3, the coach emphasized that he didn’t perceive the ailment as severe enough for McCarthy to be assigned to Injured Reserve.
McCarthy’s healing timeline might extend close to that duration; however, the quarterback is supposedly anticipated to be sidelined for about two to four weeks resulting from the ailment, categorized as a substantial ankle sprain, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The specific moment when McCarthy suffered the ailment during the team’s Week 2 defeat against the Falcons remains undefined, though certain speculations suggest it happened during a third-quarter rush.
McCarthy managed to stay in the competition, yet faced challenges in initiating a strong offensive. During the fourth quarter, McCarthy surrendered possession on two of the Vikings’ three drives. He was tackled and lost the ball to commence the quarter, guided the team to a quick series of plays on the subsequent drive, and experienced an interception with approximately 2:41 remaining.
Following a complete absence last season due to a knee ailment, McCarthy has largely encountered difficulties during his initial two NFL starts. Over two games, he has accumulated 301 passing yards, accompanied by two touchdowns contrasted with three interceptions.
Both of those touchdowns took place in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Following a sluggish commencement to that contest, McCarthy assembled a comeback to guide the Vikings to a narrow 27-24 triumph over Chicago. He couldn’t replicate that performance against the Falcons in Week 2.
In the event that Wentz receives the starting nod, it would signify his initial start since Week 18 of 2024, when he initiated play for the Kansas City Chiefs during a game where the majority of starters were rested. Wentz fulfilled an identical role with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, initiating the final game of the season while the starters rested in preparation for the playoffs.
If Wentz starts in Week 3, it will signify the initial instance since 2022 that he has participated in a game alongside the offense performing at near-peak strength. Wentz started seven games for the Washington Commanders during that season, accumulating 11 touchdowns contrasted with nine interceptions. He was substituted by Taylor Heinicke and Sam Howell in the closing stages of the season.
Owing to McCarthy’s pivotal plays in Week 1, the Vikings possess a 1-1 record approaching Week 3. The team carries elevated ambitions this season following a 14-3 record featuring Sam Darnold leading the team in 2024. The team permitted Darnold to depart in free agency, clearing the path for McCarthy to assume the starting role in 2025.
