How long is J.J. McCarthy out? Ankle injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Vikings QB

How long is J.J. McCarthy out? Ankle injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Vikings QB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has seen a year's worth of highs and lows.

After leading Minnesota to an impressive come-from-behind victory over the Chicago Bears in his regular-season debut in Week 1, McCarthy took his fair share of bumps and bruises in a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Among those bumps and bruises is an ankle injury that will send McCarthy to the sidelines.

One day after the "Sunday Night Football" loss to Atlanta, Minnesota indicated that McCarthy would likely be unavailable in Week 3, prompting bigger questions about his status beyond that game.

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Here is everything to know about McCarthy's injury and the time he could miss.

What is J.J. McCarthy's injury?

McCarthy's injury is a high ankle sprain.

While it has not been confirmed, the injury is believed to have occurred at the end of a scramble in the third quarter of Minnesota's Week 2 loss. Here is a look at the play in question:

The play on which J.J. McCarthy likely injured his ankle took place on a third quarter scramble. I'll let the NFL decide, but this has several elements of a hip-drop tackle pic.twitter.com/nDBTxRZ0P4

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) September 15, 2025

McCarthy received attention and had his ankle re-taped during the second half, but finished the game.

MORE: Inside J.J. McCarthy's Week 2 struggles vs. Falcons

How long is J.J. McCarthy out?

McCarthy is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell did not offer as much of a timeline, saying McCarthy is "likely out" for Week 3, adding that he doesn't think the injury would require a short-term stint on the injured reserve.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has announced J.J. McCarthy has an ankle sprain and he will more than likely miss the team's Week 3 game against Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/01AhkeMpRK

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 15, 2025

On Thursday, McCarthy did not practice for the second straight day. According to Schefter, Carson Wentz is slated to start against the Bengals. 

For a second straight day today, the Vikings listed QB J.J. McCarthy as a Did Not Practice.

Carson Wentz is slated to start Sunday vs. the Bengals.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2025

Based on O'Connell's outlook, McCarthy's status was best described as week-to-week. The Vikings quarterback is nearing a return. He comes out of the bye week inactive for Week 7, but listed as the emergency third quarterback and will be available against the Eagles if he has to be. 

MORE: Meet J.J. McCarthy's family tree

Vikings schedule 2025

McCarthy is unlikely to play in Minnesota's Week 3 tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals. It is worth noting that the team will travel overseas for games in Week 4 (Dublin, Ireland) and Week 5 (London, England).

Here is a look at the Vikings' schedule for Week 3 and beyond: