The Minnesota Vikings got the 2025 NFL season off to a thrilling start after pulling off a come-from-behind win against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy showing some incredible poise under pressure. The win turned a lot of heads around the league, with McCarthy putting on a show.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, McCarthy came back down to earth, as he had a disappointing performance in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons a week later. Then things got worse when the young quarterback went down with a high-ankle sprain, prompting veteran journeyman Carson Wentz to take over for the next five games.
With the Vikings enjoying a much-needed bye week in Week 8, the team gets some good news concerning the quarterback position ahead of their Week 9 showdown with the division rival Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
J.J. McCarthy Expected to Start Week 9 for Vikings
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Vikings expect McCarthy back under center to face the Lions on Nov. 2, which obviously is a step in the right direction for Minnesota against one of the best teams in the league this season.
“The Minnesota Vikings are expected to get J.J. McCarthy, their starting quarterback to begin the season, back for their next game,” Rapoport said. “That is against the Lions in Week 9. What the Vikings wanted to do was make sure when McCarthy was out there, he was fully healthy and ready to go, had 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.”
With Wentz heading back to the bench, it’ll be interesting to see if McCarthy gives the Vikings’ offense that much more of an edge moving forward, as he did have shaky moments to start the season. He basically only played one good quarter of football in the two games he was on the field, which is concerning.
However, head coach Kevin O’Connell and his coaching staff, as well as the entire organization, are high on the Michigan product, as they believe he’s a winner and the right man for the job under center in Minnesota.
J.J. McCarthy Will be Tested Against Aidan Hutchinson
GettyAidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions.
Although the Lions are known for their defense, with Jared Goff and the potent offense being the main reasons for the team’s success, Detroit is still formidable on the other side of the football, with star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson leading the charge.
McCarthy will have the tall task of trying to be successful in Week 9 in Detroit, with Hutchinson watching his every move. The Wolverines’ star will almost certainly be forced out of the pocket on more than one occasion against the Lions, with Hutchinson looking to add to his sack total this season.
Hutchinson has 6.0 sacks and four forced fumbles through seven games thus far, making him a force to be reckoned with and someone McCarthy will be keeping an eye on all night long.
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