J.J. McCarthy Injury News & Updates

McCarthy completed 16 of 32 passes for 150 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Bears.

McCarthy turned 19 first-half pass attempts into just 74 yards and threw two interceptions as the Vikings took a 10-3 deficit into the locker room. He didn't complete another pass until less than three minutes remained in the fourth quarter, but McCarthy then proceeded to engineer a go-ahead drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison, which gave the Vikings a 17-16 lead. Chicago answered with a game-winning field goal on the game's final play, overshadowing McCarthy's late-game heroics. The struggling McCarthy has thrown for 158 yards or fewer in four of five starts heading into a Week 12 trip to Green Bay.

McCarthy was seen warming up before Sunday's game with a wrap on his right throwing hand, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. However, it's the same bandage he had on his hand throughout the week of practice, Emily Leiker of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy opened Week 11 prep Wednesday as limited due to a right hand injury, but was not on the injury report thereafter and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Chicago. McCarthy suffered the right hand injury after hitting it on the helmet of a Ravens defender while following through on a pass attempt last week. While McCarthy does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game, the use of a wrap on his hand in pre-game warmups shows it could be of some concern.

McCarthy (hand) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Chicago, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

As expected, following McCarthy's return to full practice participation Thursday. He hit his right hand on the helmet of a Baltimore defender during the Week 10 loss, perhaps impacting his accuracy down the stretch, but it sounds like he's throwing passes and taking snaps without any problem 4-5 days later.

McCarthy (right hand) practiced fully Thursday.

McCarthy opened Week 11 prep Wednesday as limited due to a right hand injury, which stemmed from hitting it on the helmet of a Ravens defender while following through on a throw this past Sunday. He's been wearing padding on the hand in question in practice this week, but on Thursday he was able to take snaps under center and also attempt passes, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. McCarthy's ensuing listing of full indicates that he's good to go ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bears.

McCarthy (right hand) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday.

McCarthy hit his right hand on a Baltimore defender's helmet while following through on a pass during this past Sunday's loss to the Ravens, but he didn't miss a snap, completed 20 of 42 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and rushed five times for 48 yards. Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported Wednesday that McCarthy has some swelling on the hand in question, but there's been no indication that he's in danger of missing Sunday's contest against the Bears.

McCarthy completed 20 of 42 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 27-19 loss to the Ravens. He added five rushes for 48 yards.

McCarthy started the game well, leading the Vikings to an opening-drive touchdown, primarily on the strength of a 62-yard completion to Jalen Nailor. However, it was an up-and-down performance from there, as he turned the ball over twice in three possessions spanning late in the second quarter to early in the third quarter, changing the trajectory of the game. On the other hand, he had three completions of at least 20 yards while also racking up a season-high 48 rushing yards. McCarthy is likely to remain inconsistent considering he has only four career starts, though he has a positive matchup in Week 11 against Chicago.

McCarthy completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding nine rushes for 12 yards and another score in the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions on Sunday. He also fumbled once but recovered.

The second-year signal-caller made his return from a five-game absence and delivered a significant upset in a difficult road environment. McCarthy's final stat line wasn't exactly scintillating, yet it was still fantasy-friendly thanks to his 10- and seven-yard touchdown passes to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in the first half, as well as his own nine-yard rush with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter. McCarthy flashed encouraging chemistry with both Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and he'll head into a Week 10 home showdown against the Ravens with plenty of momentum.

McCarthy (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

In the wake of Carson Wentz's imminent season-ending surgery on his left non-throwing shoulder, McCarthy was expected to take over starting QB duties for the first time since Week 2 this coming Sunday at Detroit. McCarthy's ability to handle every practice rep to begin Week 9 prep is a great sign that the Vikings will have the 2024 first-round pick back in action for that contest. McCarthy himself told Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune on Wednesday that his right ankle feels "amazing" and "ready to go." As a result, expect McCarthy to resume directing Minnesota's offense this weekend and beyond.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that McCarthy (ankle) will be the starter for Sunday's game against the Lions and get a full week of practice in preparation for his return to the lineup, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

O'Connell essentially doubled down on the comments he offered Tuesday while speaking with KFAN FM 100.3, as Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. Per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, O'Connell specified Wednesday that there is nothing left for McCarthy to do to prove his health, an indication that the second-year pro will not only practice in full but also return to the starting lineup on the road against Detroit after having been inactive for Minnesota's prior five contests due to a right high-ankle sprain. With veteran fill-in Carson Wentz (shoulder) now on IR after having undergone season-ending surgery, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will be positioned as the No. 2 option behind McCarthy going forward.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he anticipates McCarthy (ankle) having a full week of prep before returning to a starting role Sunday in Detroit, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

McCarthy has been inactive for Minnesota's last five games while tending to a right high-ankle sprain, but he's displayed some progress following the Vikings' Week 6 bye, as he's been listed as a limited participant on six consecutive practice reports. With the benefit of a longer turnaround this week following a loss to the Chargers last Thursday, McCarthy appears poised to graduate to full participation when the Vikings return to the practice field Wednesday. Assuming his ankle holds up well during practice this week, McCarthy should return to action and maintain a firm grasp on the starting role for the remainder of the season. Veteran Carson Wentz had been productive while filling in for McCarthy in his first three starts, but he was inaccurate and turnover-prone in losses to the Eagles and Chargers the past two weeks while playing through an injury to his non-throwing shoulder that will require season-ending surgery.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said after Thursday night's loss to the Chargers that McCarthy (ankle) will start Week 9 against the Lions if he's healthy, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

McCarthy hasn't played since Week 2, as Carson Wentz has started each of the Vikings' last five contests. However, Wentz has been beaten and battered in his time under center and looked defeated at the end of the loss to the Chargers, as he was pressured and hit relentlessly by the Los Angeles defense. The Vikings have dropped two games in a row and three of the last four with Wentz at quarterback. McCarthy has been logging limited practices of late, and he'll now have 10 days to try and get ready for a date with Detroit.

McCarthy (ankle) is listed as inactive Thursday at the Chargers but will be available as the emergency third quarterback, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy thus won't be active for a fifth consecutive game due to his ongoing recovery from a high right-ankle sprain, but his standing as the emergency third QB for a second straight contest gives him a chance to play if both starter Carson Wentz and backup Max Brosmer leave Thursday's matchup due to injuries. McCarthy himself has put together back-to-back weeks of limited on-field work, and coach Kevin O'Connell even told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com that the second-year quarterback's workout Tuesday was "just not there," but could have been if the Vikings had a Sunday game on the schedule. McCarthy's next chance for his first action since Week 2 is Sunday, Nov. 2 in Detroit.

McCarthy (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game at the Chargers.

Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday that McCarthy was slated to serve as the emergency third quarterback Week 8 for a second consecutive contest, meaning he'll be inactive and designated as such once the Vikings post their list about 90 minutes before Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. O'Connell also told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com that McCarthy's on-field workout Tuesday was "just not there" but could have been if Minnesota had a Sunday game on tap. In any case, Carson Wentz (left shoulder) will get the start Thursday while McCarthy will turn his focus to a Week 9 road matchup with the Lions on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that McCarthy (ankle) will be inactive as the Vikings' emergency No. 3 quarterback in Thursday's game against the Chargers.

Coming out of a Week 6 bye, McCarthy was able to turn in three limited practices last week, but the Vikings chose to keep him inactive as their emergency No. 3 quarterback for this past Sunday's loss to the Eagles while he continues to recover from a right high-ankle sprain. Per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, O'Connell noted that McCarthy displayed some progress in an on-field workout Tuesday and might have had a shot at playing Week 8 if the Vikings had a Sunday game, but the coach conceded that the young signal-caller is "just not there" yet in being a realistic option for Thursday. As a result, Carson Wentz (shoulder) will pick up his fifth consecutive start while Max Brosmer serves as the No. 2 quarterback, but the top job is expected to be returned to McCarthy once he proves that he's 100 percent healthy. McCarthy looks like he'll have a chance to return to the lineup Nov. 2 at Detroit, though he'll likely need to turn in a full week of full practices for the Vikings to clear him to start.

McCarthy (ankle) was listed as limited on Monday's estimated injury report, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.

McCarthy has been sidelined since he suffered a high right-ankle sprain during a Week 2 loss to the Falcons, but he was able to practice in a limited capacity all of last week, which marked his first notable on-field work in more than a month. Fill-in QB Carson Wentz also was listed as limited Monday due to his lingering left shoulder injury, but at this stage he appears to be the better bet to continue leading Minnesota's offense Thursday at the Chargers, especially after Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday morning that McCarthy's initial six-week recovery timeline remains intact, which would mean a return to action Week 9, at best, on Sunday, Nov. 2 at Detroit. In the end, McCarthy clearly is getting back into the swing of things and closing in on a return to action.

McCarthy (ankle) is inactive as the Vikings' emergency No. 3 quarterback for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Following the Vikings' Week 6 bye, McCarthy was able to return to practice this week for the first time since suffering a right high-ankle sprain in a Sept. 14 loss to the Falcons. However, McCarthy practiced Wednesday through Friday only on a limited basis, prompting the Vikings to hold him out for another week while Carson Wentz starts and Max Brosmer serves as his top backup. The Vikings plan to hold off on a decision on a permanent starter at quarterback until McCarthy is 100 percent healthy, and at this stage, the second-year signal-caller may not be a realistic option for the club until Week 9 in Detroit on Nov. 2. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, McCarthy's ankle sprain was viewed as a six-week injury at the time he got hurt, and with a Thursday night game in Los Angeles versus the Chargers on tap following Sunday's game against Philadelphia, Minnesota doesn't have much incentive to rush the 22-year-old back into action on a short week.

McCarthy (ankle) will work as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press reports.

McCarthy's listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, but he isn't expected to see game action even if given the green light to suit up, as Carson Wentz will retain the starting job and Max Brosmer will dress as Wentz's backup. McCarthy hasn't played since Week 2 due to an ankle injury, and the offense has looked more effective with Wentz under center, so Minnesota will let McCarthy work his way back to full health before putting him back into consideration for the starting job.

McCarthy (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

McCarthy continues to operate with a cap on his practice reps after getting back onto the field for the first time since sustaining a high right-ankle sprain Week 2 versus the Falcons. Coach Kevin O'Connell previously said McCarthy would need to put together a week of full sessions in order to start, but he also relayed to Alec Lewis of The Athletic on Wednesday that he wasn't ready to name a starter between McCarthy and Carson Wentz (shoulder), the latter of whom has been a full practice participant this week. There's a decent chance O'Connell will make an announcement Friday ahead of Sunday's contest against the Eagles, but McCarthy at least is back in the conversation to lead the Vikings offense on game days.

McCarthy (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.

McCarthy thus has logged an official practice for the first time since suffering a high right-ankle sprain Week 2 against the Falcons. Coach Kevin O'Connell told Alec Lewis of The Athletic earlier Wednesday that both McCarthy and Carson Wentz (shoulder) were slated to take part in drills coming out of the Vikings' Week 6 bye, but he also wasn't ready to name a starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Wentz himself was a full participant Wednesday, so he appears to be a step ahead of McCarthy on that front, with the latter added that his ankle is "getting there. I wouldn't say it's 100 percent," per Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said both McCarthy (ankle) and Carson Wentz (shoulder) will participate in practice Wednesday but declined to name a starter for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

McCarthy returned to practice Monday, coming off Minnesota's bye, for the first time since suffering a right high-ankle sprain Sept. 14. O'Connell had previously indicated that McCarthy would require a full week of practice before being cleared for a return to the lineup, but it remains to be seen whether Wentz might have a chance to retain the No. 1 gig in the event that both quarterbacks are healthy enough to play. Wentz, for his part, is managing an injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder, and O'Connell said he "took a normal amount of throws" at practice Monday.

McCarthy (ankle) participated in practice Monday first time since suffering a right high ankle sprain on Sept. 14, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

While head coach Kevin O'Connell has not named a starting quarterback for this week's game against the Eagles, he also previously said McCarthy would need a full week of practice before he'd consider putting him back in a game. Meanwhile Carson Wentz was able to practice Monday despite a sore non-throwing shoulder. If McCarthy is able to practice without major limitations all week, he could return to the starting job. However, Minnesota's plans are not clear with Wentz playing well in O'Connell's three-game absence.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy (ankle) will practice in some capacity ahead of the team's Week 7 matchup against Philadelphia on Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

McCarthy reportedly took notable step forward in his recovery during Minnesota's bye in Week 6, but it remains to be seen whether the second-year pro will be healthy enough that his mobility isn't impeded for Week 7, which is a benchmark O'Connell has mentioned he will need to pass before being cleared for a return to the lineup. Previously, O'Connell had indicated that the Vikings want McCarthy to log a full week of practice before he returns to action. Per Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune, O'Connell declined to name a starter for Week 7 on Monday but confirmed that veteran Carson Wentz is still recovering from the injury to his non-throwing shoulder he suffered Week 5.

McCarthy (ankle) was able to get in some "good work" on the field during the Vikings' Week 6 bye, but he's still not considered 100 percent healthy and is uncertain to be available for the team's Week 7 game against the Eagles, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Peliserro notes that McCarthy will reclaim starting quarterback duties for the Vikings once he's considered ready for game action, but the second-year signal-caller still has a few hurdles to clear before stepping back in under center for Minnesota. McCarthy is expected to be ready to practice in some fashion during the upcoming week for the first time since suffering a right high-ankle sprain in a Sept. 14 loss to Atlanta, but he'll need to prove that his mobility isn't affected by the injury and that he's "comfortable from an operational perspective" in order to gain clearance to play, according to Pelissero. Meanwhile, Carson Wentz -- who started each of the past three games -- could be limited in practice this week while he tends to an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, leaving the Vikings' quarterback situation unsettled coming out of the bye.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy (ankle) will get "extensive work" on the field while the Vikings are on bye Week 6, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Assuming McCarthy's right high-ankle sprain responds well to the on-field activity over the next few days, the second-year quarterback is expected to be reintegrated into practices in Week 7 following a three-week absence. Veteran Carson Wentz started in each of the last three games while McCarthy has been sidelined and led Minnesota to a 2-1 record, but Wentz's status is now in question after he was briefly forced out of this past Sunday's win over the Browns with a left shoulder injury. O'Connell didn't provide many details on Wentz's injury Monday, beyond noting that the 32-year-old is "pretty sore" and set for further evaluation. The practice activity of both quarterbacks will be worth monitoring in Week 7, and O'Connell will likely take into account the health of both signal-callers before naming a starter ahead of the Vikings' next game Oct. 19 versus the Eagles.

McCarthy (ankle), who has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns in London, did not practice Friday due to rainy conditions, The Athletic reports. "We wanted to be smart with that," O'Connell said, "but I'm very much looking forward to spending some time with him next week. We'll see where he's at coming out of the bye."

The Vikings were hopeful McCarthy would be able to return to practice in London, but he hasn't participated in practice the last three weeks. With McCarthy still sidelined, Carson Wentz is slated to draw a third straight start at quarterback. McCarthy -- who last played Week 2 -- will thus target a potential return to action Oct. 19 against the Eagles, following the Vikings' Week 6 bye. O'Connell has said McCarthy will need a full week of practice before he can return.

The Viking have ruled out McCarthy (ankle) for Sunday's game against the Browns in London.

With McCarthy still sidelined, Carson Wentz is slated to draw a third straight start at quarterback while working behind a shorthanded offensive line. McCarthy -- who last played Week 2 -- will thus target a potential return to action Oct. 19 against the Eagles, following the Vikings' Week 6 bye.

McCarthy (ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Though he wasn't donning a jersey like his healthy teammates, McCarthy was spotted on the practice field during warmups Thursday and was doing some throwing. However, until McCarthy is taking reps under center and mixing into drills, his return to game action shouldn't be viewed as imminent. McCarthy appears on track to be ruled out for a third straight game ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Browns in London, but the second-year signal-caller could have a more realistic chance at being available coming out of the Vikings' Week 6 bye. Whether McCarthy will reclaim the starting quarterback role upon getting back to full health is still undetermined, and it could hinge on how Carson Wentz fares this weekend in his third consecutive start.

McCarthy (ankle) was not spotted at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said the "hope is soon" that McCarthy will be "back on an individual level," per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. That said, O'Connell noted that he "probably would not expose [McCarthy] to the look team" in the immediate future, a signal that the second-year quarterback doesn't have a very real chance to be available for Sunday's game against the Browns in London. McCarthy hasn't yet been ruled out for Week 5, but even if active, it's likely he would operate in a backup role behind Carson Wentz. The Vikings will benefit from a bye Week 6, making Sunday, Oct. 19 against the Eagles in Week 7 a more realistic tentative date for McCarthy's return, though it's possible Wentz could retain the starting job if he's able to turn in another strong showing versus Cleveland.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell suggested Tuesday that McCarthy (ankle) could be ready to resume practicing this week, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports. "My hope is ... maybe not necessarily early on - we're going to handle Wednesday, probably in a unique way, from what could be kind of a hybrid day, but as we get into Thursday and Friday, I'm hoping we can at least get him out there and get him taking some drops and starting to get back in the normal rhythm of the practice week," O'Connell sai

O'Connell didn't speak on McCarthy's potential availability for Sunday's game against the Browns in London if he practices in some fashion Wednesday through Friday, but since the second-year signal-caller isn't expected to be ready to handle full reps with the first-team offense throughout the week, he'll likely be ticketed for a backup role if he's active in Week 5. Carson Wentz has started under center in the last two games in McCarthy's absence, leading the Vikings to a 1-1 record while completing 44 of 66 passes for 523 yards (7.9 YPA), four touchdowns and two interceptions. O'Connell hasn't ruled out the possibility of Wentz retaining the starting job even once McCarthy is back to full health, though it may be contingent on Wentz turning in another quality outing Week 5 against a stout Browns defense.

McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers in Dublin, but he could get some limited work in practice next week ahead of Minnesota's Week 5 game in London, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. However, head coach Kevin O'Connell said he wants McCarthy to be fully healthy and go through a full week of practice before he returns.

Even if McCarthy returns to practice next week in London, it doesn't sound like he'll be ready to play Week 5 against Cleveland. While he's making progress, it still looks like a return Week 7 after a bye is the best-case scenario. However, there's still risk McCarthy may not immediately get his starting job back even when healthy if Carson Wentz continues to play well.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, asdf reports.

Beyond McCarthy's lack of availability Week 4, O'Connell also noted, "First and foremost, he's got to get healthy. And then, I don't think it's one of those things where it's, hey, he's healthy the night before a game, we're going to throw him out there and say, 'Hey, go figure it out' type of thing." McCarthy emerged from a Week 2 loss to the Falcons with a high right ankle sprain and sat out this past Sunday's win against the Bengals, which allowed Carson Wentz to lead the Vikings offense. Overall, Wentz didn't commit a turnover and compiled 173 yards and two touchdowns on 14-for-20 passing. Wentz will continue operating as the starter for as long as McCarthy is sidelined and potentially even when he's healthy, per O'Connell.

McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals, but was without a walking boot in the locker room Friday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "We're kind of through the initial wave of that, as far as getting the swelling down and all those things," said head coach Kevin O'Connell.

McCarthy suffered a right high-ankle sprain in last week's loss to Atlanta and reports have him missing 2-to-4 weeks. He won't be placed on injured reserve, according to the Pioneer Press, but the timetable for his return is uncertain. While his walking without a boot on his ankle is an encouraging sign, he could be held out until Week 7 with the Vikings playing overseas Weeks 4 (Sept. 28 versus the Steelers in Dublin) and 5 (Oct. 5 versus the Browns in London) before heading into a bye Week 6 if the team wants to be cautious. It's also possible he could play earlier if he's able to return to practice as early as next week.

McCarthy (ankle) is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks after sustaining a right high-ankle sprain in Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The Vikings haven't provided an official timeline for McCarthy's return from the injury, but Carson Wentz will be in line to start at quarterback for at least this Sunday's game against the Bengals. Schefter notes that because the Vikings are playing overseas in Weeks 4 (Sept. 28 versus the Steelers in Dublin) and 5 (Oct. 5 versus the Browns in London) before heading into a bye Week 6, the team could be inclined to err on the side of caution and hold McCarthy out for the next three games to give him sufficient time to heal up from the ankle injury.

McCarthy is considered week-to-week after he sustained a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Not long after coach Kevin O'Connell revealed Monday that McCarthy showed up to team facilities with a sore ankle that was deemed a sprain, Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network are reporting that the injury may require some time on the sideline. McCarthy didn't fare well in Week 2, completing 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, turning five carries into 25 yards and losing one of his three fumbles. O'Connell also told Alec Lewis of The Athletic that Minnesota will get backup QB Carson Wentz ready for Sunday's game against the Bengals in the event McCarthy eventually is inactive.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy has a sprained ankle, and it's unclear if he'll be available Sunday against the Bengals, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

McCarthy had a rough Week 2 after an encouraging Week 1, completing 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, turning five carries into 25 yards and losing one of his three fumbles during Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons. If McCarthy ends up missing Week 3, veteran Carson Wentz is in line to step in and lead the Vikings offense.

McCarthy completed 11 of 21 pass attempts for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions while taking five carries for 25 yards with a lost fumble in Sunday's 22-6 loss to Atlanta.

McCarthy struggled out of the gates like he did for three quarters in his pro debut last week, but he was unable to replicate the fourth-quarter heroics we saw against the Bears in a crushing loss to the Falcons on Sunday Night Football. The 22-year-old looked like a true rookie out there, throwing two interceptions and putting three balls on the ground (mercifully, only losing possession of one). We have now seen seven poor quarters of play, one eye-opening quarter and a 1-1 record from McCarthy through two starts. This dud will likely steer fantasy managers away from the 2024 first-round pick, but next Sunday's opponent (Cincinnati Bengals) present a soft fantasy matchup for those buying into a bounce-back performance in Week 3.

McCarthy completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding two carries for 25 yards and another score in the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Bears on Monday night. He also threw a two-point conversion pass.

Making his long-awaited regular-season debut, McCarthy mostly scuffled through the first three quarters before igniting a 21-point comeback in the final period. The 2024 first-round pick connected with Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones for fourth-quarter touchdown passes of 13 and 27 yards, respectively, and he followed those scoring strikes with a 14-yard touchdown run to extend Minnesota's 20-17 lead at the 2:53 mark of the fourth quarter. McCarthy also completed a two-point conversion pass to Adam Thielen, and he connected with seven different targets overall when factoring in that scoring toss. The second-year signal-caller will now prepare for his home regular-season debut, a Week 2 matchup against the Falcons on Sunday night.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that McCarthy will not suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against New England.

McCarthy played one drive during Minnesota's preseason opener against the Texans, completing four of seven passes for 30 yards while rushing once for eight yards, but Sam Howell will get the start versus the Patriots. During the Vikings' exhibition finale versus Tennessee on Friday, Aug. 22, McCarthy could get a chance to handle more reps. Justin Jefferson (hamstring) remains absent from practice but will be re-evaluated next week, while Jordan Addison (suspension) will be eligible to play the remainder of the preseason but begin the regular season with a three-game suspension.

McCarthy completed four of seven passes for 30 yards and added eight yards on his only carry in Saturday's 20-10 preseason win over the Texans.

Seeing his first NFL game action since undergoing knee surgery in August 2024, McCarthy played just one possession and led the Vikings to a field goal, with his longest completion going for 18 yards to Jordan Addison. Neither Justin Jefferson nor T.J. Hockenson (leg) suited up for Saturday's contest, and whatever chemistry McCarthy develops with Addison will get shelved until Week 4 due to the wideout's looming suspension, but the top priority for the young QB this preseason is just to stay healthy as he heads into his first season as Minnesota's starter.

McCarthy is slated to start Saturday's preseason opener against the Texans, Steven Louis Goldstein of The Athletic reports.

This will mark McCarthy's first game action since he tore the meniscus in his right knee in his first NFL preseason contest last year. With Sam Darnold no longer in the mix, the 2024 first-rounder is on track to begin the coming campaign as the Vikings' starting QB. As for Saturday, it remains to be seen how many snaps McCarthy will see, but for context, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com notes that Darnold played the first series of the 2024 preseason opener, 12 snaps in total, before giving way to McCarthy.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy's workload in Minnesota's exhibition opener is to be determined. Beyond that, the Vikings "will more than likely" focus on a joint practice with the Patriots next Wednesday, Aug. 13 and then hold out McCarthy in the ensuing preseason contest with New England on Saturday, Aug. 16, as O'Connell told Goessling. How McCarthy looks after that point will determine whether or not he sees game action Friday, Aug. 22 at Tennessee.

McCarthy has been participating in spring practices without any issues in his surgically repaired knee, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Coming back from a meniscus tear suffered last summer, McCarthy resumed on-field work in January, setting him up for a normal offseason. As expected, he had no limitations during OTAs and then passed his physical at the start of June minicamp. With Sam Howell and Brett Rypien being the veteran quarterbacks on Minnesota's roster, McCarthy doesn't appear to have any competition for the Week 1 starting job. He's in a great situation under coach Kevin O'Connell, throwing passes to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson while playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. McCarthy also offers more running ability that Sam Darnold, who threw for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 TDs in Minnesota during the 2024 regular season.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday at the start of Minnesota's voluntary OTAs that McCarthy (knee) will participate in "full" with "no limitations," Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

The 2024 first-round pick missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus suffered just after his preseason debut, but after having resumed on-field work in January, O'Connell said McCarthy is now "ready to hit the ground running" with no training limitations, per Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune. Despite McCarthy not being able to log any action as a rookie, Minnesota's confidence in the young-signal caller was high enough for the team to allow Sam Darnold to sign with Seattle after a career year, leaving the 2024 10th overall pick in clear position to enter Year 2 as a starter. With an elite top trio of pass-catchers at his disposal in the form of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, plus an O-line recently bolstered by offseason signings Ryan Kelly and Will Fries (lower leg), McCarthy has all the surrounding support necessary to start his tenure in the No. 1 seat strong.

The Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on McCarthy (knee) and aren't pursuing Aaron Rodgers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

It sounds like Minnesota will sign a veteran quarterback after losing Sam Darnold and Nick Mullen last week, but it won't be someone that represents a serious threat to take the starting job, unless maybe McCarthy has a disastrous spring/summer. The 10th overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft appeared ready to give Sam Darnold a serious run for his money last summer, throwing for 188 yards and two TDs in his preseason debut, only to be diagnosed with a torn meniscus a few days later. McCarthy had season-ending surgery in mid-August and didn't resume on-field work until the winter, but he should be back to full strength well before training camp. It isn't yet clear if he'll have any limitations during spring practices.

McCarthy (knee) is positioned as Minnesota's starting quarterback after Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The Vikings may still bring in a veteran quarterback, but anyone they acquire at this point likely would just be a backup. Reports suggest the Vikings had interest in retaining Darnold or Jones but ultimately weren't wiling to pay as much as other teams. That can be taken as at least a small sign of confidence in McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season with a meniscus tear after playing well in his lone preseason appearance. The 10th overall pick from last year's draft resumed on-field work this winter and should be ready to practice before training camp.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that McCarthy (knee) has resumed on-field work and is "right where we hoped he would be" in advance of the offseason, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

The Vikings drafted McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in last year's draft, likely with the expectation that he would see game action during his rookie campaign. He in fact experienced live action football, but a promising pro debut in the preseason on Aug. 10 was followed by news a few days later that he tore the meniscus in his right knee and was out for the season. McCarthy thus spent the year on injured reserve, while watching journeyman Sam Darnold have a career season. Darnold will be an unrestricted free agent in March, so Minnesota could use the franchise tag on him or figure out some sort of multi-year deal, either of which could impact McCarthy's ability to vault into the No. 1 spot on the QB depth chart. Nevertheless, for the time being, McCarthy will focus on the later stages of his recovery effort.

McCarthy underwent a procedure on his right knee this week after an increase in his rehab caused some swelling, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

In the wake of a successful preseason debut back on Aug. 10, McCarthy reported soreness in his right knee, and he eventually was diagnosed with a torn meniscus, which required surgery on Aug. 14. Considering he was placed on IR before cut-down day, the rookie first-round pick isn't eligible to play this season, so getting him right now will be key as he heads into his first full offseason as a pro. In the meantime, the Vikings will continue to entrust the offense in QB Sam Darnold.

The Vikings placed McCarthy (knee) on injured reserve Friday.

Minnesota signed quarterback Matt Corral in a corresponding transaction. Head coach Kevin O'Connell had already ruled McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in April's draft, out for the season, so his official placement on injured reserve was expected. McCarthy will turn his attention to making a recovery from surgery undergone Wednesday to make a full repair of the meniscus in his right knee, while the Vikings turn to Sam Darnold as the Week 1 starter. Corral joins Nick Mullens and second-year quarterback Jaren Hall behind Darnold on the depth chart.

Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday that McCarthy (knee) has undergone season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The Vikings announced Tuesday that McCarthy would require knee surgery, but at that time there seemed to be optimism that the No. 10 overall pick might only need his meniscus trimmed, an operation would have allowed him to return in 2024. Instead, Minnesota is proceeding with the option that best positions McCarthy for a successful long-term career, at the cost of missing his entire rookie campaign. The development leaves Sam Darnold in position to start Week 1 under center for the Vikings, and potentially to keep a grip on that position for the entire 2024 season. The team also figures to explore adding further depth behind Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.

McCarthy (knee) has a tear in his meniscus in his right knee and the severity of the injury will be determined once he undergoes surgery, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy is set to miss extended time, but an exact timetable "will be something determined during the procedure," according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. If the quarterback is dealing with a small tear, he may be able to address it with a cleanup surgery, but a full repair would mean a longer recovery, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. O'Connell also added that the team will ultimately do "what's best for the long-term health of J.J."

McCarthy (knee) is expected to undergo knee surgery to address a meniscus issue after having an MRI on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

McCarthy reported knee soreness over the weekend, and the MRI he underwent Monday revealed an issue serious enough to require surgery. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that McCarthy will require either a meniscus trim, which would require a 4-to-6 week recovery, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, or a repair which could sideline the rookie quarterback multiple months. Even if McCarthy is able to receive the quicker recovery timeline, Sam Darnold now faces a clear path to the Week 1 starting gig for Minnesota.

McCarthy is not practicing Tuesday, and it is unclear if he will travel to Cleveland for joint practices, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

McCarthy excelled during his preseason debut to the tune of two passing touchdowns and 188 yards through the air. The rookie also completed 11-of-17 passes and finished with a 116.8 passer rating. It is unclear how serious his knee soreness is, but it would not be surprising to see the Vikings exercise caution with their first round selection. If he ultimately misses more practice time, Sam Darnold would presumably get all of the first-team reps, while Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall continue competing for the No.3 role under center.

McCarthy was 11-for-17 passing for 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in Saturday's preseason win over Las Vegas.

McCarthy threw an interception on a rushed throw under pressure on his first drive in his pro debut, but settled down thereafter and was sharp with a 116.8 passer rating. Most of his production came in the second half against the second- and third-string touchdown, but he threw a nice deep ball on touchdown passes of 45 and 33 yards. Sam Darnold played just the first series on offense as he remains the favorite to start Week 1. However, McCarthy showed he could be a factor earlier rather than later this season.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that McCarthy will get "a significant amount of work" during Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders, but that Sam Darnold will start at quarterback, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy may or may not get a chance to work with the first-team offense after Darnold on Saturday, but in any case it sounds like the rookie first-round pick will get plenty of opportunities to display his talents. Though McCarthy has ceded the majority of first-team reps to Darnold to start training camp, the expectation is for that split to grow more even as the regular season approaches. Darnold remains the favorite to start Week 1 against the Giants, but a strong preseason showing by McCarthy on Saturday could make that conversation more interesting.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that McCarthy will get more first-team reps later in training camp, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Sam Darnold dominated first-team reps throughout the offseason and now into the first week of training camp, making him the favorite to start Week 1 even though McCarthy was drafted 10th overall in April. O'Connell said he'll eventually want McCarthy to get more work with the starters, which also will allow the coaches to see how Darnold looks without WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to lean on. While fantasy players rightfully are curious about a potential QB battle, it sounds like O'Connell is currently more concerned with installing his offense and making sure all the quarterbacks are capable of running it. Things could get more interesting in August if McCarthy looks especially sharp during practices and/or preseason games.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that McCarthy will get more first-team reps later in training camp, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Sam Darnold dominated first-team reps throughout the offseason and now into the first week of training camp, making him the favorite to start Week 1 even though McCarthy was drafted 10th overall in April. McCarthy will eventually get more work with the starters, which also will allow the coaches to see how Darnold looks without Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to lean on. While fantasy players might be anticipating a QB battle, it sounds like O'Connell is currently more concerned with installing his offense and making sure all the quarterbacks are capable of running it. Things could get more interesting in August if McCarthy looks especially sharp during practices and preseason games.