NFL Insider Makes Vikings Quarterback Change Official

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J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are off on Sunday after getting embarrassed by the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. Carson Wentz got destroyed behind a bad performance by the offensive line, and Kevin O’Connell’s team now has a losing 3-4 record.

Out since Week 2 with a high ankle sprain, this has hardly been the season Minnesota hoped for from J.J. McCarthy. His lengthy absence is expected to end in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions however.

JJ McCarthy to take over for MN Vikings

There has been speculation as to when J.J. McCarthy would return to the Minnesota Vikings for weeks. Week 9 is certainly on the long-end of things, and development is likely part of the problem. Ian Rapoport is reporting that his return is now upon us.

“Let’s talk about a team that played Thursday night. The Minnesota Vikings are expected to get J.J. McCarthy, their starting quarterback to begin the season, back for their next game. That is against the Lions in Week 9. Now what the Vikings wanted to do is make sure when McCarthy is out there, he was fully healthy and ready to go. Enough practices to prepare and was healthy. This is now going to be seven weeks after a high ankle sprain. It is time, assuming health wise he is all good, J.J. McCarthy back as the starter.”

Ian Rapoport

This is where the rubber meets the road. Minnesota built a roster that they felt a quarterback could thrive in regardless of who it was. That has not been the case thus far, but McCarthy is the pinnacle of what they believed in.

It was never supposed to be the Carson Wentz show, and McCarthy put together just a small sample size. He pulled off a fourth quarter comeback against the Chicago Bears in his debut while flopping against the Falcons and playing hurt.

Through two games McCarthy is 24-of-41 for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Mobility is also part of his game and he has 50 yards on seven attempts with a touchdown on the ground.

It’s a tall task to ask McCarthy to come in and beat the best team in the NFC North. However, pressure is now on the young quarterback to save the season and he could make significant headlines by getting the job done. McCarthy will be back at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Other notable quarterback news from Rapoport comes in the confirmation that former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will start on Sunday for the Falcons. Michael Penix is dealing with a knee injury, so the veteran backup will take over.

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