Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy receives strong support from Justin Jefferson as he prepares to return from injury.

Edge Aidan Hutchinson speaks to reporters about facing former college teammate QB JJ McCarthy, DB Brian Branch and DL Alim McNeill.

The former No. 10 overall pick is set to make his third NFL start on Sunday, and he'll do it not far from where he played his home games during his time as quarterback of the Michigan Wolverines. McCarthy and the Vikings hope this week's game in Detroit — and the nine remaining in the regular season after it — can be the start of something special.

Carson Wentz, who had been struggling with a shoulder injury, was placed on injured reserve and has been ruled out for the season.

It's been nearly 2 months since J.J. McCarthy helped lead the Vikings' rally against the Bears. Back from injury, he's now looking to recapture some of that magic.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Vikings expect McCarthy to suit up when the team travels to Detroit to face one of the top teams in the NFL. “The Minnesota Vikings are expecting to get J.J. McCarthy back for their next game, that is against the Lions in Week 9,” Rapoport said on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings are without their starting quarterback for the Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers

JJ McCarthy is regarded as the future of the Minnesota Vikings, but the quarterback has struggled to stay consistent and will not play in their Week 7 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings are poised to get ...

J.J. McCarthy is back at quarterback for the Vikings (3-4), who’ll try to end a two-game losing streak as the 22-year-old returns from his high ankle sprain. The Vikings enter the game as bigger underdogs than they’ve been at any time since Kirk Cousins missed their Week 17 game in Green Bay with Covid in 2021.

The Minnesota Vikings have confirmed Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback against the Los Angeles Chargers, while also providing a final update on JJ McCarthy’s return.