Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season due to injury, now faces a setback early in the 2025 campaign. After just two games, he is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks due to a high-ankle sprain sustained during the Vikings’ recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kevin O’Connell reported that McCarthy was “very sore” following the injury, and they do not anticipate his return in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals, meanwhile, are contending with quarterback issues of their own; starter Joe Burrow may miss significant time due to a necessary surgery for a turf toe injury.
O’Connell confirmed McCarthy’s absence for Sunday’s game and noted that while it wouldn’t require short-term injured reserve designation, they would monitor his recovery closely over the week. In the disappointing home opener against the Falcons, McCarthy struggled significantly, getting sacked six times and failing to make a scoring impact. This performance contrasted sharply with his NFL debut against the Chicago Bears, where he showcased some potential with a fourth-quarter comeback, albeit still lacking overall efficiency.
In his initial two games, McCarthy has been less than stellar, posting a Quarterback Rating (QBR) of just 20.4, ranking last among the 33 qualified quarterbacks in the league. His stats reflect his struggles, having completed 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Against the Falcons, he further complicated his performance with two interceptions, signaling a need for development as he acclimates to the NFL.
With McCarthy out, O’Connell will turn to Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback. Wentz, 32, has experience but has been primarily a backup over the past two seasons with both the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs. His transition to starting for the Vikings will be closely watched as the team hopes to stabilize their season amid these quarterback changes.
In addition to quarterback woes, the Vikings are facing injury concerns with veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr., who suffered a hamstring injury during the same game. Such injuries can significantly affect the team’s dynamics and their ability to compete effectively. The Vikings, starting the season with mixed results, now have critical decisions to make moving forward to avoid further setbacks.
Despite early-season challenges, including quarterback changes and injury setbacks, the Vikings aim to regroup and remain competitive in what is shaping up to be a turbulent NFL season. The evolution of both McCarthy and Wentz will be crucial, not only for their individual careers but also for the overall health and performance of the Vikings as they navigate the difficulties inherent in professional football.
