Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Expected To Miss Week 3 With High Ankle Sprain

The Minnesota Vikings are facing challenges in their 2025 season, particularly with their young starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and was ruled out for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite rumors and conspiracy theories suggesting McCarthy's injury might be fake to justify benching due to poor performance, head coach Kevin O'Connell firmly denied these claims and emphasized McCarthy's ongoing rehabilitation progress. McCarthy has recently shed his walking boot and is actively participating in rehab, with the possibility of returning to play in the near future, though his exact return date remains uncertain. In his absence, veteran Carson Wentz is expected to start, while other key players like center Ryan Kelly and tackle Justin Skule are also sidelined due to injuries. The Vikings are navigating a tough start with a 1-1 record, seeking more consistent offensive production to remain playoff contenders. The team is hopeful about McCarthy's recovery and return, which is critical given their investment in him over other veteran quarterbacks.