J.J. McCarthy sidelined with high ankle sprain as Carson Wentz steps up for childhood dream in Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings are bracing for a significant shift as they navigate the absence of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The promising second-year player sustained a high ankle sprain during a tough Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, raising concerns about his immediate future on the field.
Injury Update on McCarthy
During an NFL Network broadcast of Thursday night’s matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, insider Ian Rapoport shed light on McCarthy’s condition. He revealed that McCarthy will definitely miss Sunday’s encounter with the Cincinnati Bengals, and there is a possibility that he could be sidelined even longer.
“They fly to Dublin to face the Steelers the next week,” Rapoport explained. “With the swelling that’s currently happening, it’s hard to envision them taking him on an overseas trip. Plan at least two weeks out for J.J. McCarthy.”
Carson Wentz Takes the Helm
In McCarthy’s absence, the Vikings have turned to veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who brings a wealth of experience as he steps into the starting role. Wentz’s journey in the NFL has been anything but conventional, as he joins Minnesota as the fifth different team he has started for in the past five seasons. The Vikings have also signed former Falcons third-round pick Desmond Ridder to bolster their quarterback depth.
“You know, it’s one of those things,” Wentz reflected. “You play long enough, and you kind of forget about those things because it’s just — it’s football. You bounce around teams.”
Nonetheless, Wentz is motivated to seize this opportunity with the Vikings, a team he has supported since childhood.
“I used to come to the Metrodome, and I was waving the towel. Running out of that tunnel this week will probably hit me a little bit different — in a really cool, kind of surreal way,” he shared, capturing the emotional gravity of the moment.
McCarthy’s Battle for Recovery
As for McCarthy, his path back to the starting job is fraught with challenges. After missing all of last season due to a meniscus injury, the former Michigan standout was poised for a comeback in what would be his inaugural season as an NFL starter. However, the ongoing concerns about his health add a layer of complexity to Minnesota’s plans moving forward.
If Rapoport’s timeline holds true, McCarthy could aim for a return when the Vikings face the Cleveland Browns at home on October 5. The stakes are high, and the Vikings will need to navigate these turbulent waters with both caution and determination as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
