Carson Wentz handled quarterback duties once again during the Vikings’ lopsided loss on Thursday. By the time Minnesota plays again, though, J.J. McCarthy may be back in the fold. 
McCarthy has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. The 2024 first-rounder has dressed as the Vikings’ emergency No. 3 quarterback in each of the past two games, a further sign he is nearing a return to full health. That could be the case in time for Week 9. When McCarthy is back at full strength, he will return to QB1 duties.
“If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play,” head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed after yesterday’s game (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “That’s been the case since the injury. That’s always been kind of my mindset, and I believe we’re right — hopefully — around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete.”
With Minnesota having played on a Thursday, the team now has an extended period to prepare for Week 9. The Vikings will take on the Lions in their next contest, and having McCarthy available would of course be a welcomed development for the team’s offense in the short term and his ability to continue developing over the remainder of the season. McCarthy, 22, missed his entire rookie campaign while recovering from meniscus surgery before his current stretch of absences due to a high ankle sprain.
Aside from his fourth-quarter performance against the Bears in Week 1, McCarthy has not met expectations when on the field so far. Improving on his early showings once healthy will be critical for the Michigan product’s long-term development and Minnesota’s playoff chances. The Vikings sit at 3-4 on the year at a time when each of the NFC North’s other teams sport a winning record.
Last night’s game was the latest example of the “significant left shoulder injury” Wentz has been playing through for most his five-game run as the team’s starter. The 32-year-old said (via Seifert) Thursday’s performance included “quite possibly” the most pain he has played through in an NFL contest. Wentz will have time to heal provided McCarthy starts in Week 9, however, something which looks to be the team’s plan at this point.