Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy likely out Sunday, Carson Wentz would start

Field Level Media|published: Mon 15th September, 15:27 2025

Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) takes the field before the game against Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is unlikely to play this week due to an ankle sprain, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday.

Current backup Carson Wentz is expected to be the starter against Bengals backup Jake Browning, who steps in again for injured starter Joe Burrow. Burrow will undergo surgery to repair a toe injury after leaving Sunday's win over the Jaguars.

McCarthy sustained the injury on a broken play that ended with a tackle near the sideline. McCarthy missed all of the 2024 season after tearing his meniscus during a preseason game, which required surgery.

Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after his performance in his first start in Week 1, McCarthy has shown mixed results. He struggled Sunday night against the Falcons, going 11 of 21 with 158 yards and two interceptions. He wasn't able to lead Minnesota to a touchdown and he was sacked six times.

"We've got to do a better job as an offense playing one play at a time and everyone doing their job, all 11 of us," McCarthy said Sunday night. "We're going to learn from this, get better and bounce back next week."

The Vikings will also likely be without running back Aaron Jones (hamstring). Starting center Ryan Kelly and left tackle Justin Skule are still in concussion protocol. Skule started the first two games as the Vikings play it safe with Christian Darrisaw, who is working to return from a season-ending ACL tear in 2024.

--Field Level Media

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