J.J. McCarthy Injury Update Offers Hope for Vikings Ahead of Week 7 Return
The Minnesota Vikings endured a tough Week 2 loss that came with even more bad news. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a high ankle sprain during the game, an injury that typically sidelines players for several weeks. Early reports indicated he could be out anywhere from two to four weeks, sparking concern about his availability for the Vikings’ upcoming international stretch in Weeks 4 and 5. With the team’s bye week immediately following those matchups, speculation quickly began about when the promising young quarterback might actually return.
Despite the initial worry, there are encouraging signs regarding McCarthy’s recovery. The Vikings opted not to place him on Injured Reserve, a move that would have forced him to miss at least four games regardless of his progress. Instead, the team’s decision suggests optimism that his time on the sidelines will be shorter. The backup quarterback brought in last week also appears to be more of a temporary solution than a long-term replacement, reinforcing the belief that McCarthy won’t be out for an extended stretch.
One of the lingering questions has been whether McCarthy would join the team on their overseas trip. Traveling long distances with an ankle injury can pose setbacks, and it seemed logical that if he wasn’t going to play, he might remain in Minnesota to rehab. However, CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson reported before Sunday’s game that McCarthy will indeed travel with the Vikings to Europe and continue his rehab alongside the team. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the same, noting that the Vikings are set to make history as the first NFL franchise to play back-to-back international games in two different countries—facing the Steelers in Dublin and the Browns in London.
The fact that McCarthy is traveling with the full training staff provides reassurance that the long flights won’t negatively affect his recovery. On the contrary, staying around the team and maintaining rhythm with coaches and teammates could be valuable for his development. Both reports indicated the expectation is for McCarthy to return in Week 7 after the bye, when the Vikings host the Philadelphia Eagles on October 19. There’s even a chance his timeline could be accelerated if his ankle responds better than expected over the next few weeks.
Ultimately, while any ankle sprain is a setback for a young quarterback, the circumstances suggest McCarthy’s injury is on the mild side of the spectrum. His presence on the overseas trip reflects both the team’s confidence in his recovery plan and his determination to stay engaged despite being sidelined. If all goes according to plan, Vikings fans may only have to wait until mid-October to see their first-round pick back under center, ready to face one of the NFC’s toughest teams.
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