Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to miss two to four weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain, according to ESPN sources.
"JJ McCarthy did come in very, very sore today with the ankle sprain," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said in Minnesota's media availability on Monday afternoon. I would anticipate we are not planning on having him for Sunday. ..."
"That is something we were able to determine today, so obviously tough news there."
O'Connell does not expect McCarthy to enter a "short-term IR" situation, but will monitor his health closely.
McCarthy, the Vikings' 2024 first-round pick, threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns in Minnesota's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. He was banged up throughout the night, and his ankle needed to be taped mid-game to continue playing.
The play on which J.J. McCarthy likely injured his ankle took place on a third quarter scramble. I'll let the NFL decide, but this has several elements of a hip-drop tackle pic.twitter.com/nDBTxRZ0P4
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) September 15, 2025
"Give him a ton of credit. Just the toughness to get that thing taped up and keep playing."
With McCarthy sidelined, veteran quarterback Carson Wentz is set to take over as the starter. Wentz, who signed with the Vikings during the offseason, has started 92 games over his NFL career and now has the chance to lead Minnesota’s offense while McCarthy recovers.
