Vikings Target Week 7 Return for McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings lost in Week 4 in Dublin with Carson Wentz starting while rookie J.J. McCarthy missed his second straight game with a high-ankle sprain. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team hopes McCarthy can do limited work this week — a hybrid Wednesday session and some drop-back work Thursday/Friday — as they stack practice days before assessing his availability. Even if McCarthy returns to practice, he’s unlikely to handle full reps and would probably be a backup if active for Week 5 against Cleveland; the Vikings are realistically targeting a Week 7 return after their Week 6 bye. Right tackle Brian O’Neill suffered a sprained MCL and is considered week-to-week — doubtful for Week 5 but not headed to injured reserve — and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will not practice because of neck issues. Wentz’s recent play in the Dublin loss was mixed (about 350 passing yards, two interceptions and six sacks), leaving Minnesota to weigh when McCarthy should reclaim the starting job.