The Minnesota Vikings were hoping to develop young quarterback J.J. McCarthy this season after his entire rookie year was lost to an injury he suffered in the preseason. Unfortunately, McCarthy has only been able to make two starts this season after suffering a high ankle sprain against the Atlanta Falcons.
Prior to Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, McCarthy made it clear he was getting closer and doing everything he could to work his way back onto the field.
It’s unfortunate and one of those really annoying injuries,” McCarthy said, “but I’m just continuing to work to get to 100 percent as fast as possible.”
“I’m striving every day to get there as fast as possible,” he continued.
Ultimately, head coach Kevin O’Connell made the decision to start veteran Carson Wentz against the Eagles and set McCarthy as the emergency third quarterback. Now, ahead of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he appears to be sticking with last week’s decision.
“Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell announced that once again, QB Carson Wentz will start and Max Brosmer will be the backup. JJ McCarthy went through a workout and is not quite there yet. So it’s Wentz against the #Chargers on TNF,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“JJ McCarthy got Benched. If his ankle injury was actually real 6+ weeks, he’d be put on IR. Viking fans can’t admit it,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Carson Wentz has been terrible and is literally falling apart. If this is a health thing, Max should be the guy this Thursday, not Carson!” someone else added.
“Great to see Wentz leading the Vikings again! Hope JJ recovers soon, but experience matters vs. the Chargers. Team looks united—Jefferson and Addison ready to shine. Let’s go Vikings!” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if McCarthy makes another start this season.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.