Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy sidelined for preseason finale with ankle injury
The Minnesota Vikings will not dress rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the final preseason game after he suffered an ankle injury, leaving the backup quarterback competition unresolved ahead of roster cuts.
Minnesota will sit rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for Friday night’s preseason game against Denver after the player injured his ankle in a previous contest against the Ravens, according to an ESPN report. McCarthy participated in limited practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday but missed Wednesday’s workout. The injury is not considered long-term, but it comes just two days before teams must trim rosters to 53 players.
If the Vikings do not retain four quarterbacks on the active roster, they will need to decide between McCarthy and fellow backup Max Brosmer, while starter Kyler Murray and potential starter Carson Wentz remain on the depth chart. Brosmer could be placed on waivers and, if cleared, added to the practice squad, though another team could claim him. McCarthy might be placed on short-term injured reserve, which would keep him off the 53-man roster while he recovers.
The situation adds uncertainty to the Vikings’ quarterback roster decisions as the regular season approaches.