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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The Minnesota Vikings have been without quarterback J.J. McCarthy since Week 2. Following a defensive beatdown from the Atlanta Falcons, the second-year passer suffered an ankle injury that has lingered for weeks. Now, he has offered an important injury update on himself.
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The Vikings have taken their time with McCarthy, which makes sense. He suffered a season-ending meniscus tear in 2024, and the ankle injury has kept him out for four games. This is not saying that he is injury-prone, but rushing a player back from a significant injury can be further damaging.
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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell also spoke on McCarthy's ankle, stating he would return when he was ready. Clearly, he is not ready just yet. That said, the young quarterback spoke out on his ankle, giving insight on where he is in his recovery.
Per The Athletic's Alex Lewis, McCarthy spoke to reporters on Wednesday, stating that he is still not at "100 percent."
"My ankle is getting there. I wouldn't say it's 100 percent right now, but we're striving every day to get there as fast as possible."
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Naturally, the Vikings would want McCarthy to return to the lineup as fast as possible, but not at the risk of a more serious injury. This is just speculation, but he may need a couple more weeks to even return to practice.
With McCarthy out, the Vikings have leaned on longtime veteran Carson Wentz. Wentz took over in Week 3 and has posted a 2-1 record. He has also thrown 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions.
At 3-3 on the season, the Vikings are nowhere near in trouble without McCarthy behind center. What will be interesting is to see how O'Connell handles the transition should Wentz put together some more wins when McCarthy returns.
McCarthy looked every bit the franchise quarterback the Vikings needed in Week 1, especially after orchestration a fourth-quarter comeback against the Chicago Bears. However, he was smothered in Week 2 and looked lost.
To be fair, the Falcons do have a dangerous defense, but McCarthy showed his football maturity by taking costly sacks that led to fumbles. Wentz has been able to handle the pressure a bit more due to his many years in the NFL.
McCarthy is getting healthy, and O'Connell has stated that he remains the leader on offense when he returns. However, this ankle injury lingering for a few more weeks may lead the Vikings to change their tune, especially if Wentz can lead them to a winning record.
For more on the Vikings and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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