When is J.J. McCarthy coming back? Ankle injury timeline, return date for Vikings QB

The Minnesota Vikings intended to start J.J. McCarthy for the entirety of the 2025 season. Instead, the quarterback picked up an injury that has sidelined him for the majority of the season so far. 

Most recently, McCarthy suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Initially, the expectation was that he would return in 2-3 weeks since he finished the game when the injury occurred. McCarthy has now missed four games, and the Vikings have already had their bye week.

McCarthy has been upgraded enough that he's been listed as the emergency third quarterback, but he still hasn't been fully active. The Vikings are on a short week in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and backup quarterback Carson Wentz has already been named the starter by head coach Kevin O'Connell. 

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Here is more on when McCarthy is expected back for the Vikings.

When will J.J. McCarthy return?

McCarthy is nearing a return. O'Connell said that the quarterback is "just not there" yet, especially on a short week. He alluded to the fact that the quarterback could have played if the game had been held on Sunday. 

O'Connell said that they aren't looking for him to be 100% recovered from the injury. The head coach is looking for his quarterback to push through some of the pain and get to a point where he "can do his job for 60 minutes."

Succinct explanation from Kevin O'Connell on what the Vikings are waiting for with J.J. McCarthy. Not a return to some mythical state of complete health. He'll have to push through some. But enough function to "do his job for 60 minutes" w/ no setbacks or limiting factors. pic.twitter.com/GsltG6Wyn6

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Is J.J. McCarthy out for the season?

Not yet. McCarthy was expected to be out only a handful of games, but if he sits out in Week 8, will miss his fifth consecutive game. The good news is that with the short week in Week 8, there is a mini bye week ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Detroit Lions. 

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What is J.J. McCarthy's injury?

McCarthy was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain. It occurred in the Week 2 win over the Falcons. Because he kept playing through the injury, it is unclear exactly when it happened, but the best guess is that it was this play because he got tackled from behind when running out of bounds. 

Here's the play where J.J. McCarthy injured his ankle. No great replays, but he does get rolled on the tackle. pic.twitter.com/JS8jN9q17P

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High-ankle sprain recovery timeline in NFL

Ankle sprains can vary in recovery timeline based on severity and if the player re-aggravates the injury.

Grade 1 sprains typically require 1–2 weeks to heal, while Grade 2 sprains usually take 4–6 weeks. The language surrounding Lamb’s injury suggests he is dealing with a Grade 2 sprain.

Edwin Porras, founder of Pro Athlete Physical Therapy, outlined that one-quarter of the WRs who attempted to return from a high ankle sprain within two weeks, reinjured their ankle.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain in Week 3, but returned to the field in Week 7, missing four games. His ankle sprain was a Grade 2 sprain. It hasn't been officially released what grade McCarthy's sprain was, but doctors on social media believe it was a moderate Grade 2 sprain from the clip.

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Vikings upcoming NFL schedule

Here are the Vikings' next six games.