Vikings Insiders Reportedly Dismiss Idea J.J. McCarthy's Injury Was Excuse to Bench QB

J.J. McCarthy has struggled at points during his first season as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback, to the point that some people have questioned whether his current injury isn't quite as serious as the team has suggested and instead is a covert demotion.

But The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Sunday that she's "been told by multiple sources that McCarthy isn't healthy, and while the target return has been Week 7 against the Eagles, it could still be longer. I'm told, 'Nothing to see here.'"

The "secret demotion" theory sort of falls apart when you consider that McCarthy hasn't been practicing. Keeping McCarthy out of games is one thing, but not letting a young, developing player practice makes zero sense.

And Russini reported that McCarthy "hasn't returned in any capacity, not even on a limited basis" as he recovers from a high ankle sprain.

In two games, the second-year quarterback has thrown for 301 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, completing just 58.5 percent of his passes while taking nine sacks. The Vikings went 1-1 in those games.

So it's been a bit rocky after Sam Darnold—now with the Seattle Seahawks—was such a revelation last year. But for now, we can all put those tinfoil hats away.