Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy sustained an ankle sprain and is unlikely to play in the week three matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, coach Kevin O’Connell said, according to multiple reports.
That injury could leave McCarthy sidelined for anywhere between two and four weeks, per ESPN.
The injury represents another significant setback for the second-year quarterback, who missed the entire 2024 season after tearing his meniscus during a preseason game. McCarthy was just beginning to find his footing in his first NFL season as a starter.
With McCarthy sidelined, veteran quarterback and NDSU alum Carson Wentz will take over starting duties for the Vikings.
The timing creates an interesting quarterback matchup, as the Bengals are also dealing with their own quarterback injury concerns with Joe Burrow requiring surgery.
McCarthy’s injury occurred during what was already a disappointing performance against Atlanta, where the Vikings managed just six points in the primetime loss.
The Vikings will hope McCarthy can return quickly from the high ankle sprain, but the 2-4 week timeline suggests he could miss multiple games depending on his recovery progress.
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