Vikings' J.J. McCarthy Sidelined with Ankle Injury; Carson Wentz to Start
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to an ankle injury, with Carson Wentz stepping in as the starter.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to miss Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after sustaining an ankle injury during the team's recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed the injury on Monday, indicating that McCarthy is unlikely to play this week.
In McCarthy's absence, veteran quarterback Carson Wentz will start for the Vikings. Wentz, who joined the team in August, has previously started games for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams over the past two seasons.
The Vikings are also contending with other injuries. Running back Aaron Jones is expected to be sidelined with a hamstring injury, while center Ryan Kelly and left tackle Justin Skule are in concussion protocol. Skule had been filling in for Christian Darrisaw, who is recovering from a 2024 ACL tear.
The upcoming game will feature both teams starting backup quarterbacks, as the Bengals' Jake Browning steps in for the injured Joe Burrow, who is undergoing toe surgery.