The Minnesota Vikings have been without first-year starter J.J. McCarthy for the last two weeks after he sprained his ankle in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
The former Michigan Wolverine sprained his ankle and was able to manage through the pain in Week 2 against the Falcons, but coach Kevin O'Connell ruled him out for Week 3 on the Monday following the game.
However, the Vikings are "hopeful" McCarthy can practice some this week, which is. positive sign toward his eventual return.
Vikings Hopeful J.J. McCarthy Practices This Week
O'Connell spoke with the media on Tuesday morning and revealed the plan for McCarthy is he'll practice in some fashion this week, according to The Athletic's Alec Lewis.
"As we get into Thursday and Friday, I'm hoping we can at least get him out there," O'Connell said. "And get him taking some drops, and starting to get back into the normal rhythm."
The first step in McCarthy returning to the field for the Vikings is getting back at practice, so this is only positive news for Minnesota fans.
There's no indication yet of how much McCarthy would need to practice to be available for Week 5 or if that's even an option.
The Vikings are looking to get QB JJ McCarthy back on the practice field later this week, Thursday or Friday per @alec_lewis.
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 30, 2025
First step to getting him back under center on Sundays. pic.twitter.com/Cn4DAnOB9y
Since McCarthy has been out with his ankle sprain, the Vikings walloped the Cincinnati Bengals, who also had a backup quarterback in, and then fell short to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland.
In McCarthy's absence, Carson Wentz has thrown for 523 yards and four touchdowns, with two interceptions, and running back Jordan Mason has rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
The Vikings are 2-2 through their first five games and will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 5.