Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is poised for his return to action after missing five games with an ankle injury — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Currently 3-4 and last in a deep NFC North division, the Vikings are floundering with just a 4.7% chance of making the postseason, per ESPN’s Power Index.
The margin of error is slim going forward, and a recent injury update to the Vikings offense does not bode well for McCarthy’s third career start.
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that starting tight end Josh Oliver will likely be out against the Detroit Lions on Sunday after suffering a foot sprain in Week 8. O’Connell added that X-rays showed that Oliver avoided a long-term injury — but his absence will be felt in an important game for McCarthy.
Regarded as one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the NFL, Oliver is a crucial piece to the Vikings’ running game that has struggled early with injuries on the offensive line and hopes to get back on track. Since Week 4, the Vikings have averaged 72.5 yards rushing per game, the third-lowest in the league.
Tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are also dealing with knee injuries and have been limited in practice this week.
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If the Vikings prove incapable of running the ball, McCarthy will be leaned on to carry the offense after playing in a more balanced game plan in his first two starts. The Vikings’ offensive line has also proved porous in pass protection, allowing the fourth-most pressures (63) in the NFL.
The Vikings are considerable underdogs in this matchup against a high-flying Detroit (5-2) offense and a defense that is fifth in sacks this season.
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