With that prior up-and-down play in mind, it'd be hard to ignore the possibility of the Vikings shielding McCarthy, particularly over these last few weeks when Wentz was injured. With him now on IR, however, McCarthy has to come out of the shadows and either prove that he is the franchise centerpiece or not.

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

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

It only happened to McCarthy twice as a starter in high school at Nazareth Academy, then once as a starter in college at the University of Michigan. His ability to respond throughout his rise up the ranks revealed an “It Factor” that played a role in the Vikings taking him with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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.

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