J.J. McCarthy reveals sleeping away from 'sick' infant son to prioritize Vikings' game vs Lions

J.J. McCarthy is locked in for the Vikings' game against the Detroit Lions. According to Tom Pelissero, McCarthy slept away from his 'sick' infant son heading into the game.

Pelissero revealed,

"McCarthy told me his infant son was sick this week, so J.J. slept in a separate room in his old college bed."

Pelissero continued,

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"It made him think of all the nights he spent in that bed dreaming about moments like this. A big NFL division game on the road. He's embracing the challenge today."

The Michigan Wolverines product and his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, announced the birth of their first son, Rome Micah McCarthy in September. The couple has been together since they were in high school.

McCarthy is returning to play in Michigan. It's a familiar surroundings, and Vikings fans will hope that their starting quarterback can channel some of his college magic against Dan Campbell's Detroit Lions side.

J.J. McCarthy aiming to lead Vikings turnaround for the rest of the campaign

J.J. McCarthy is set to make his first NFL appearance since Week 2. The promising shot caller has missed the Vikings' last five games due to an ankle injury.

The Vikings have lost three games in that time frame, and they're currently last in a stacked NFC North division. Kevin O'Connell's side is on a two-game losing streak and is a few losses away from dropping out of the playoff picture entirely.

J.J. McCarthy's return couldn't have come at a better time, as backup QB Carson Wentz suffered a serious injury in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. McCarthy is now aiming to be the spark that'll inspire the Vikings to an upturn in fortunes.

However, McCarthy and Co. will have their work cut out against the Dan Campbell-coached Lions. The Lions enter the game with a 5-2 record, and are second in the division behind the 5-1-1 Green Bay Packers.

A win in today's game could serve as a confidence booster ahead of a tricky set of upcoming games. Next up for the Vikings are games against the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Here's what you need to know about watching the Lions vs. Vikings:

• Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
• Livestream: FuboTV and DAZN
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: FOX
• Venue: Ford Field in Detroit

Edited by Nick Igbokwe