J.J. McCarthy Doesn't Need to Be '130%' to Play for Vikings After Injury, HC Says

While the Minnesota Vikings are being cautious with J.J. McCarthy, head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't setting an unreasonable standard for when the quarterback can be activated again.

O'Connell told reporters Wednesday that it's not "something where he's 130 percent." The team wants to feel confident McCarthy can play a full game "without having any setbacks or making his job more difficult than it has to be."

McCarthy is going to miss his fifth straight game in Week 8. O'Connell said he's "just not there" physically ahead of Thursday night's matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

A narrative has emerged that Minnesota is being purposefully careful with the 2024 first-rounder's recovery because the coaches don't have a ton of faith in him.

"A few have wondered whether Minnesota might be hiding behind McCarthy's injury to buy more time after the first-year starter struggled in Week 2 against the Falcons," The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Oct. 4.

That idea should be put to bed after Minnesota's 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, when. Carson Wentz went 26-of-42 for 313 yards and two interceptions.

▶️ Full Eagles-Vikings Recap

06:01

It was difficult to watch that game and conclude Wentz is the best possible option.

McCarthy hasn't looked great in a limited sample, either. In his first two starts, he threw for 301 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

But the Vikings aren't going to give up on him after just two games.

The ankle injury is undoubtedly frustrating because the 22-year-old won't improve if he's not playing. Putting him onto the field before his ankle has healed would create its own set of problems.