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J.J. McCarthy is not playing this week
The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, but each eyes are connected rookie backmost J.J. McCarthy and his availability.
After suffering a precocious ankle sprain, the first-round pick’s betterment has been slower than hoped, raising the large question: volition McCarthy suit up tonight, oregon volition Minnesota erstwhile again thin connected seasoned Carson Wentz to pb the way?
Will J.J. McCarthy play against the Chargers tonight?
According to aggregate reports, J.J. McCarthy is not expected to play. While officially listed arsenic questionable, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport some reported that McCarthy remains a week distant from returning to afloat action.
Head manager Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy took portion successful a airy on-field workout but said he’s “just not determination yet” for crippled readiness.
That means Minnesota volition support McCarthy inactive but arsenic the exigency 3rd quarterback, ensuring helium continues his rehab without hazard of reinjury connected a abbreviated week.
Key Vikings updates
- QB J.J. McCarthy: Questionable (ankle) — Not expected to play; volition service arsenic exigency QB.
- QB Carson Wentz: Active and starting Thursday night.
- QB Max Brosmer: Active; volition service arsenic backup QB2.
- WR Justin Jefferson: Active and cleared for afloat information aft constricted practices aboriginal successful the week.
- TE T.J. Hockenson: Active, volition play done insignificant rib soreness.
- RB Aaron Jones: Active and expected to grip afloat workload.
Key Chargers updates
- QB Justin Herbert: Active and expected to start.
- WR Keenan Allen: Active aft managing a hamstring tweak.
Game details
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 Time: 8:15 PM ET Venue: SoFi Stadium successful Inglewood, California TV/Stream: Amazon Prime Video (national broadcast)
What it means for Minnesota
The Vikings are playing it harmless with their rookie quarterback, prioritizing semipermanent wellness implicit short-term need. Carson Wentz volition marque his 2nd consecutive start, hoping to support Minnesota’s discourtesy dependable portion McCarthy recovers. The anticipation is that McCarthy could instrumentality arsenic soon arsenic Week 9, depending connected however his ankle responds successful practice.With the Chargers’ defence featuring Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, Minnesota’s O-line volition request to support Wentz and thin connected the crushed game. For fans waiting to spot McCarthy’s return, the connection is wide not yet, but close.Also work - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fires backmost astatine MAGA critics and Donald Trump implicit Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show
