It seems like another lifetime ago that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was under center.
McCarthy last played a game in Week 2 versus the Atlanta Falcons, a game the Vikings lost, 22-6.
McCarthy suffered a high-ankle sprain in that contest and hasn’t played since. He did show some progress this week, as the young signal-caller was able to log a limited practice all three days before drawing a questionable tag.
In his stead, Carson Wentz has started the last four games and has played decent football in that span, leading Minnesota to a 2-2 mark.
But will Wentz be back out there again this week? Or will McCarthy finally make his return to the field?
Here’s what we know.
Is J.J. McCarthy playing tonight?
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday that Wentz will start once again against the Los Angeles Chargers and McCarthy will serve as the emergency third quarterback, with Max Brosmer serving as the QB2.
O’Connell did say, however, that McCarthy would’ve had a chance to play if it was a regular week. Of course, the Vikings are on a short week with their Week 8 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers coming on Thursday night.
“Earlier this morning, we did put J.J. McCarthy through an on-field workout just to see if he had a chance to make it this week,” O’Connell said. “J.J., the medical staff, myself, we’re all encouraged about where he’s at and the progress he’s making, but he’s just not there. And if this was a Sunday game, maybe it would be a little bit of a different story, and we could push it throughout the week and see where he’s at toward the end of the week.”
“But really, I look at today almost as the combination of a Wednesday-Thursday, but really it is a Friday on the timeline of coming up on being 48 hours out from the game,” O’Connell added. “So we wanted to have a plan at the quarterback position, and it’ll be very similar to last week. Carson will start, Max will be the backup, and J.J. will be available in the case of emergency as the third. Like I said, encouraged about where [McCarthy is] at and very much looking forward to continuing his progression, hopefully having a chance to go next week. And we’ll keep you guys posted on that.”
This is the second straight week that McCarthy has been made the emergency third quarterback. The simple fact that the door is being left open for him to possibly play in an emergency is a sign he’s very close.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that McCarthy could return in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions.
“When Vikings QB JJ McCarthy suffered a Week 2 high ankle sprain, doctors expected it to be a six-week injury,” Schefter reported. “Nothing has changed. It still looks like a six-week injury, which means McCarthy would miss next week, and possibly be able to return in Week 9 at Detroit.”
Carson Wentz start or sit advice
In his four starts this season, Wentz is averaging 16.6 fantasy points per contest. In that span, Wentz’s production ranks as QB21 overall, which puts him outside of the range of a starter, even in 12-team leagues.
Wentz is also facing a tough matchup in Week 8, as the Chargers are ceding the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to signal-callers.
With six teams on bye this week, there is an avenue for Wentz to crack starting lineups, but we’d suggest trying to find a more favorable matchup.
Verdict: Sit
