The Minnesota Vikings are having an up-and-down season so far, to say the least.
After a blowout Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota struggled mightily against the Pittsburgh Steelers, scoring six points in the first three quarters en route to a 24-21 loss. Rumblings of a quarterback controversy between Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy have quieted after a two-turnover performance from Wentz.
While McCarthy is not quite ready for a return to play, it's on the horizon, per a report during the NFL Network broadcast yesterday morning in Dublin, Ireland.
J.J. McCarthy May Be Running Scout Team Before Full Return to Practice
According to sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl, McCarthy will be running the Vikings' scout team ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
"Those physical reps? That’s what the Vikings hope for J.J. McCarthy this week. He told me his ankle is feeling better. However, this staff will not let him play until he is at 101%," Erdahl said via Heavy.
"However, if he feels up to it, he will run the scout team quarterback this week in London, just to make sure... he gets his feet back under him and gets some live reps within this offense."
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell had previously said that the former Michigan standout would not return from injury until he gets a full week of first-team reps under his belt. While the scout team isn't full practice, it's certainly a step in the right direction.
Minnesota's upcoming schedule features the Browns, and then a bye in Week 6 following their return from Europe. We may see McCarthy's return from injury in Week 7 in a tilt with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
More Michigan news:
- Vikings' Kevin O'Connell noncommittal on J.J. McCarthy's return when healthy
- Vikings urged to make difficult decision between J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz
- Bears' Colston Loveland avoids major injury, expected to 'have a chance to play' Week 4
- How does J.J. McCarthy's extended injury impact his development with Vikings?