Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to miss two-to-four weeks due to a high ankle sprain, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Monday that McCarthy isn’t expected to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. The 2024 Coach of the Year didn’t mention whether the second-year passer will miss additional time but added that Minnesota plans to start Carson Wentz versus Cincinnati.
It’ll be a matchup featuring backup quarterbacks after the Bengals saw Joe Burrow go down with a toe injury that will likely sideline him for three months. Jake Browning will step in as Burrow’s replacement.
Minnesota also rosters preseason standout quarterback Max Brosmer.
Following Sunday’s game versus the Bengals, the Vikings will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ireland on Sept. 28 and the Cleveland Browns in England on Oct. 5 before going on a Week 6 bye.
McCarthy made his first NFL home start Sunday but had a hard time in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, who hit him 11 times while collecting six sacks. The second-year passer finished with 11 completions on 21 attempts for 158 yards and no touchdowns against two interceptions.
Minnesota selected McCarthy 10th overall in 2024, but his rookie season ended prematurely after he sustained a knee injury at training camp.
The Vikings’ offense will also be without veteran running back Aaron Jones against the Bengals, according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis. Jones, who had five carries versus the Falcons, is dealing with a hamstring injury. Jordan Mason will presumably continue to shoulder the load at running back for O’Connell’s outfit.
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