After the Minnesota Vikings suffered a frustrating loss in their Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, it was revealed that quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be missing some time.
In the loss, it was reported that the first-year starter from Michigan suffered an ankle sprain. It's unclear when or how McCarthy sustained the injury, as he finished out the Week 2 game.
With this being said, the Vikings will look towards backup quarterback Carson Wentz. Minnesota may have to lean on the 32-year-old for longer than most expect.
Insider reveals J.J. McCarthy could miss over a month with ankle sprain
After more information has come out, the Vikings have an unusual schedule in the coming weeks.
McCarthy's is already confirmed to be missing Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but NFL insider Adam Schefter believes that Minnesota could elect to have the first-year quarterback stay home in the states for the Vikings' Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, and Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns in London.
If this is the case, the Vikings have their bye week in Week 6. Therefore, McCarthy's return could be in Week 7 on Oct. 19 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
A high ankle sprain is expected to sideline Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy two to four weeks, which means he might not play again until an Oct. 19 home game vs. the Eagles.
Here’s why with @tyschmit:
🎧 https://t.co/45VtgpkUwf pic.twitter.com/2X0yVQVz9c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2025
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It may not be the news that Vikings fans were hoping for, especially after McCarthy missed his entire first year with a meniscus tear suffered during the 2024 preseason. But this approach may be necessary to ensure the quarterback returns to full strength with minimal risk of reaggravating the injury.