Vikings' J.J. McCarthy's Potential Return Game from Injury Reportedly Revealed

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reportedly could be back on the field for the team's Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the high ankle sprain was initially seen as a six-week setback when he suffered it in Week 2.

"That means it's unlikely he'll be back next week against the Chargers. They're hopeful he'll be back a week after at Detroit."

The Vikings selected McCarthy, a former Michigan star who led the Wolverines to an undefeated, national championship-winning 2023 season, with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus in the 2024 preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, and he missed the entire campaign.

McCarthy returned for 2025 and played his team's first two games, completing 24-of-41 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 50 yards and another score.

Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a right high ankle sprain in Week 2, when Minnesota fell 22-6 at home to the Atlanta Falcons. Per ESPN's Kevin Seifert, McCarthy completed the game but "reported significant soreness the next morning."

Carson Wentz has been the team's starter in McCarthy's place. Over three starts, Wentz has completed 69 percent of his passes for 759 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

He will remain in the role for Sunday's game against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Max Brosmer has been the team's backup with McCarthy out. Brosmer is an undrafted rookie who played college ball at New Hampshire before transferring to Minnesota for the 2024 season. He was a First-team FCS All-American for New Hampshire in 2023.