Vikings Uncertain on McCarthy After Bye

The Vikings used a Week 6 bye to address a rash of injuries after a taxing 10-day international trip to Dublin and London that disrupted routines, left players tired and stretched the medical staff. Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy is progressing from a high-ankle sprain but coach Kevin O’Connell says McCarthy must complete a full week of practice before returning, making a Week 7 start vs. the Eagles possible but not certain; insiders caution the comeback could take longer and continue to raise questions about his early struggles with NFL speed and accuracy. In McCarthy’s absence, veteran Carson Wentz has stabilized the offense and Minnesota is 3-2 on the season. The trip and ensuing discipline issues produced a one-quarter benching for wide receiver Jordan Addison after he missed a walkthrough, renewing debate about Addison’s future with the team. Critics have also second-guessed the decision to let Daniel Jones depart in the offseason, while the Vikings focus on health, depth and preparation for a challenging upcoming stretch of opponents.