The Minnesota Vikings will be spending the next two weeks in Europe, as they have two international games scheduled for NFL Weeks 4 and 5. According to reports, quarterback JJ McCarthy is expected to miss both contests, meaning that he won’t be back until at least mid-October.
NFL: JJ McCarthy Expected To Miss Vikings Next 2 Games
McCarthy played in the entirety of Minnesota’s Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but an injury was revealed in the hours that followed. At some point during that contest, the first-year starting QB suffered an apparent ankle sprain, and it was clear that he would miss some time. He was wearing a walking boot during Vikings practice last week, and Carson Wentz got the start for Week 3.
"I don't think JJ McCarhty will play in Dublin or London..
They have a bye week after London and then he can be healthy after that" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/JVHHFb8ZqK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 22, 2025
It was reported on Sunday that JJ McCarthy would be joining his teammates for the two-week trip overseas, which left the door open for speculation that he could make his return in either Dublin or London. But during his appearance on the Pat McAfee show on Monday morning, NFL insider Adam Schefter said that he doesn’t expect McCarthy to play in either game.
Schefter cited the fact that the Vikings have a bye week following the trip as a reason to keep their young QB out for now. If McCarthy doesn’t suit up in the upcoming games against the Steelers and Browns, then the earliest that he could possibly return would be October 19th against the Eagles.
That would give McCarthy roughly 35 full days of no game action following the injury, which should give him ample time to heal the ankle.
Wentz Leads Efficient Vikings Offense In Week 3
Minnesota might not be in much of a rush to bring him back if Wentz can replicate his team’s success in Week 3. Now an NFL journeyman, the former no.2 overall pick had solid and efficient numbers against the Bengals on Sunday, completing 14 of his 20 passes for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns. He didn’t throw any interceptions, though he was sacked three times.
FINAL: Carson Wentz and the @Vikings win big in Week 3. pic.twitter.com/2jZtsixvce
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025
While most of their production came via the ground game and their defense, the offense looked the most efficient that it has all year against Cincinnati.
JJ McCarthy made headlines with his late-game heroics in Week 1, but has mostly struggled otherwise. Of their first nine drives in that opening weekend win over the Bears, two resulted in field goals while the other seven were either punts or interceptions. In that game against the Falcons in Week 2, McCarthy completed just 52.4% of his passes for 158 yards while throwing 2 interceptions and 0 touchdowns.
