J.J. McCarthy is the Minnesota Vikings’ first-year starting quarterback, taken 24th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. At the moment, he’s still in the process of returning from a right ankle sprain. Although he was ruled out for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Coach Kevin O’Connell is optimistic about McCarthy’s recovery timeline and his potential return by Week 7.
McCarthy was dealing with an injury that left his ankle with quite a bit of soreness. Now, he’s traded in the once-prominent supportive boot for a more conventional shoe. O’Connell reassured that the coaching staff’s priority is to get McCarthy “up to speed quickly.” They’re especially attuned to the mark as the club gears up for its first road trip of the year to Dublin, Ireland, and London, where they’ll face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns.
Even with his injury woes taken into consideration, McCarthy’s performance in Week 2 should be setting off alarm bells. He concluded that game with the NFL’s second worst QBR of 20.3, only in front of Cam Ward. Just like his tough fight to secure the position of NFL rookie quarterback. On top of that, he recently made a personal commitment that led him to miss a practice in order to welcome his newborn son on Sept. 11.
O’Connell emphasized the importance of ensuring McCarthy’s health before allowing him back into the lineup.
“First and foremost, he’s got to get healthy. And then, I don’t think it’s one of those things where it’s, hey, he’s healthy the night before a game, we’re going to throw him out there and say, ‘Hey, go figure it out’ type of thing.” – Kevin O’Connell
He explained that McCarthy’s ability to keep up rhythm, cadence and decision making with flow of the game is essential to his success. O’Connell acknowledged the value of having McCarthy observe veteran quarterback Carson Wentz as he leads the team in McCarthy’s absence.
The Vikings are looking forward to their expanded international matchups. O’Connell is waiting to commit on whether McCarthy will immediately retake his starting job as soon as he receives medical clearance to return.
“And that also doesn’t require an answer on that question today.” – Kevin O’Connell
The Vikings organization is hopeful McCarthy can make a speedy return. They certainly, more than anybody, realize how imperative his development as a QB is to the joint success. We understand they’re closely monitoring his recovery time. Of course, they want to make sure he’s completely healthy before returning him to active duty on the pitch.
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