The Minnesota Vikings had some big hopes for the 2025 season.
So far, they haven’t fulfilled them.
While they’ve won multiple games, they’ve barely gotten to watch their young quarterback play.
Once again, an injury has kept J.J. McCarthy on the shelf, and it might be a little longer before he can return.
According to a report by NFL insider Adam Schefter, McCarthy will have to miss at least another couple of weeks:
“The hope is that Vikings QB JJ McCarthy (ankle) can return in week 9 against the Lions,” per Adam Schefter.
The hope is that #Vikings QB JJ McCarthy (ankle) can return in week 9 against the #Lions, per @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/2Wbf5ABALI
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 19, 2025
That’s clearly not an ideal setting to return.
He will have to face a tough divisional rival with a stout defense.
McCarthy didn’t look good in limited action this season.
He looked raw and unprepared at times.
And now that he’s missed extensive time twice in as many years in the league, the team has to have some major concerns about him and his durability.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a major knee injury.
The Vikings still chose not to bring back Sam Darnold or give Daniel Jones a chance.
They also voted against signing Aaron Rodgers, even though he reportedly wanted to play for them.
Now, they might pay that price.
Carson Wentz might be a proven veteran and one of the most experienced backups in the National Football League, but he’s a backup for a reason.
He can’t be trusted to lead this team to the playoffs, and if McCarthy doesn’t look good once he returns, they won’t have any more opportunities to trade for a potential replacement to salvage their season.
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