JJ McCarthy injury update: Kevin O'Connell reveals concerning news for Vikings QB's status vs. Bengals

by: Dan Morrison 44 minutes ago dan_morrison96

Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is dealing with an ankle sprain, according to his head coach, Kevin O’Connell. Now, it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to play on Sunday.

The Vikings are set to play host to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The Bengals lost their starting quarterback Joe Burrow to a turf toe injury that is going to require surgery. So, while McCarthy isn’t officially out yet, it appears to be a battle of backup quarterbacks with Carson Wentz filling in for McCarthy and Jake Browning filling in for Burrow.

It’s unclear exactly when McCarthy suffered the injury. He played every snap for Minnesota against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. That came in a losing effort. It’s also possible that the nagging injury caused what could only be seen as a step back in play for the young signal caller.

It would later be reported that McCarthy is suffering from a high-ankle sprain. With that, he’s set to miss between two and four weeks early in the season. Wentz will fill in as the starter during that time, barring an unforeseen changes.

In his first game as the starting quarterback for Minnesota, McCarthy completed 65 percent of his passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. That would come in a winning effort against the Chicago bears. However, in his second game, McCarthy completed just 52.4 percent of his passes for 158 yards and two interceptions.

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