In Week 3 of his second NFL season, J.J. McCarthy finds himself in an unfortunately familiar position with the Minnesota Vikings: injured. On Friday, the Vikings made their final decision on the former No. 10 pick ahead of their tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals.
McCarthy missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus that he suffered in the Vikings’ 2024 preseason opener.
Now, after two starts, McCarthy is set to miss at least the next two games, if not more.
J.J. McCarthy Officially Ruled Out For Vikings-Bengals
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Atlanta Falcons.
McCarthy suffered an ankle injury in the Vikings’ Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, finishing the contest and reporting discomfort in the aftermath. The Vikings did not place him on injured reserve, which means he does not have to miss four games.
That is a potentially good sign about the youngster’s recovery. The Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell could take a cautious approach, though, given his history.
He will not play or even suit up on Sunday against the Bengals, though.
McCarthy has thrown for 301 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on 58.5% completion this season. In his stead, the Vikings are starting former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft.
Wentz will have less than one month with the Vikings when he takes his first historic snap as the starter against the Bengals, and he noted the lessons he has learned that could help him.
But McCarthy is not the only absence Minnesota must account for, either.
Vikings Rule Out 2 More Players
GettyFormer Indianapolis Colts C Ryan Kelly #78 looks on against the Detroit Lions.
In addition to McCarthy, the Vikings also ruled out starting center Ryan Kelly and backup-turned-starting offensive tackle Justin Skule.
Kelly signed a two-year, $18 million contract, joining his former Indianapolis Colts teammate and fellow 2025 free agent Will Fries on a revamped offensive line for the Vikings. His history of concussions has garnered renewed attention amid his latest bout.
Skule has filled in at left tackle for the first two games in place of Christian Darrisaw.
That means the Vikings will be without their starting QB (McCarthy), center (Kelly), and fill-in LT1 (Skule), and they are not exactly out of the woods elsewhere on the roster.
Andrew Van Ginkel, Christian Darrisaw, Harrison Smith Among Question Marks
GettyVeteran safety Harrison Smith will not play in the Vikings 2025 season opener.
Fortunately for the Vikings, even with McCarthy out, Darrisaw could make his 2025 debut after missing the first two games recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season. A former first-round pick in the 2021 draft, his return would alleviate concerns about Wentz’s blindside.
He will already have a rookie in Donovan Jackson at left guard and a backup as his batterymate at center. Moreover, the Vikings could be without a pair of defensive starters, too.
Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith are both questionable for the tilt against the Bengals.
The Bengals, who will be without their starting QB, Joe Burrow, are catching a break. Van Ginkel, who missed the loss to the Falcons, and Smith, who has yet to take the field this season, are Pro Bowlers who will miss the contest.
The Vikings are banged up early, and they must overcome that to keep themselves afloat until they can get healthier and continue with their playoff aspirations.
Vikings Make Unfortunate QB Announcement Before Facing Bengals