Vikings’ crucial update on J.J. McCarthy’s status
Over the last several weeks, the Minnesota Vikings have taken a precautionary approach with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy as he recovers from a high right ankle sprain.
It appears that McCarthy’s absence could be coming to an end after the Week 8 blowout 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed hope that the Michigan product will be ready to go for Week 9 action on the road against the Detroit Lions.
“If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play,” O’Connell said via ESPN. “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.”
Although O’Connell isn’t labeling McCarthy as the starter upon his return, it’s pretty evident that the team is looking to give him every opportunity to earn that spot outright away from veteran Carson Wentz.
In his absence, Wentz has started five games, where the Vikings hold a 2-3 record. He has been nursing through a significant left shoulder injury that impacted his performance against the Chargers.
Want $250 to bet on the NFL?
Wentz categorized it as possibly the worst pain he has had during a football game. He wore a shoulder harness to help him through it, but it clearly affected his play, as he completed 15 of 27 passes for 144 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked five times and took eight hits.
