Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell refuses to commit to a starting quarterback, but J.J. McCarthy could suit up as the starter when the Vikings face the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 19.
McCarthy is still out with a high right ankle sprain sustained during a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Just two years into his career, McCarthy has already faced injuries that have sidelined him for all or part of two consecutive seasons. According to veteran pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, the second-year QB is managing this latest setback far better than he did last year.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 14: JJ. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Greenard Talks J.J. McCarthy’s Mentality This Season
“Just based off last year to now, he’s taking it way differently. You can just kind of see he knows he’s going to come back. I think last year he kind of knew that he wasn’t going to be coming back anytime soon,” said Greenard on a recent interview on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams.
After injuring himself Week 2, McCarthy missed the next three games and could return after the team’s Week 6 bye, according to ESPN. In his absence, Carson Wentz has thrown for 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions, helping lead the Vikings to a 2-1 record.
“But just to see he still has the same fight. I mean, if you seen him this past game — any game — he’s one of the first guys cheering everybody on after a big touchdown or a big play, as if he just got off the field. Sometimes we got to pull him back,” Greenard said of McCarthy. “He’s still dealing with that ankle. But just his infectious spirit and how he just makes sure everything is not about him. Sometimes you see guys get injured and they kind of get down in the dumps and they’re like, ‘Oh man, everything’s over.’ I haven’t seen that at all.”
Greenard Praises Carson Wentz for Stepping In Admirably
Greenard also praised Wentz for stepping up in McCarthy’s absence. The veteran QB joined the team on Aug. 24, after Vikings training camp had concluded, becoming the latest experienced quarterback to take the reins in O’Connell’s offense.
GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Carson Wentz of Minnesota Vikings looks to throw a pass during the fourth quarter in the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 05, 2025 in London, England.”” (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
In his three starts, Wentz helped lead a dominant win over the Cincinnati Bengals, fell short in a comeback attempt against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, and then orchestrated a successful fourth-quarter comeback against the Cleveland Browns in London.
“Shout out to both (Eric Wilson and Carson Wentz), they really stepped up and made some huge strides,” said Greenard. “With Carson, you’ve just seen it, he’s just a vet. I have the most confidence in Carson anytime. He’s just been a great guy to be around in the building. Whenever he’s talking about the game plan, it just resonates more, you’re talking with a vet. Being a great mentor to J.J. (McCarthy) as well.”
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