While the Minnesota Vikings are being cautious with J.J. McCarthy, head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't setting an unreasonable standard for when the quarterback can be activated again.

A football injury doctor ripped the Minnesota Vikings over their decision on starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

We're nearing the midway point of the 2025 NFL season, and the Minnesota Vikings may soon be on their third starting quarterback of the year. Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed as much this week, admitting undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is "an option" in the event Carson Wentz can't stay on the field as J.J. McCarthy's replacement.

Coach Kevin O'Connell has kept J.J. McCarthy's recovery from a high ankle sprain on a deliberate pace, despite the recent struggles of Carson Wentz.

An ankle injury will again keep J.J. McCarthy from returning to the Minnesota lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday that Wentz will make his fourth consecutive start for Thursday night's road game against the Los Angeles Chargers. O'Connell added that McCarthy isn't quite ready to go after putting him through an on-field workout earlier in the day.

Unlike some other QBs who find themselves on the hot seat, McCarthy is neither highly paid nor sitting in the middle of a total rebuild. Instead, he’s highly drafted and surrounded by a team that is currently one QB away from competing for a Super Bowl.

For all we know, there's zero reason to believe the conspiracy theory that J.J. McCarthy is the subject of a "soft benching" in wake of Carson Wentz leading the Vikings to a 3-2 record while McCarthy remains sidelined with a high ankle sprain.