J.J. McCarthy Ruled Out of Vikings Preseason Finale Following Ankle Injury

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not participate in the Minnesota Vikings' final preseason game against the Denver Broncos after sustaining an ankle injury against Baltimore.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not dress for Friday’s preseason finale against the Denver Broncos. The rookie passer sustained an ankle injury during last weekend’s exhibition against the Baltimore Ravens, an ailment that forced an early exit from that contest. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the decision after the former Michigan standout reported discomfort following the team's most recent outing. Despite the scratch, internal sources indicate the organization does not categorize this specific physical setback as a long-term threat to his 2024 availability.

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During the previous matchup against Baltimore, the No. 10 overall pick struggled with accuracy, failing to connect with two wide-open receivers on plays that likely would have resulted in touchdowns. These missed opportunities preceded the physical symptoms that ultimately led to his removal from the game. O’Connell had initially intended for the young signal-caller to start in Denver to gain valuable live-game experience, but the medical staff opted for caution once the player expressed he did not feel 100 percent.

With McCarthy unavailable, the Vikings' depth chart for the trip to Colorado features only two active quarterbacks: veteran Carson Wentz and second-year player Max Brosmer. Starting quarterback Kyler Murray was already scheduled to sit out the finale, joining the majority of the team’s first-string roster on the sidelines. This absence creates a significant shift in the battle for the primary backup role, a position O’Connell recently described as an open competition between McCarthy and Wentz rather than a settled hierarchy.

McCarthy’s professional career has been defined by a series of medical hurdles. The quarterback missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, a major surgery that delayed his NFL debut. Upon returning for the 2025 campaign, his participation was restricted to just 10 games. That season was interrupted by a concussion and a high right ankle sprain, both of which required multiple weeks of recovery time. Furthermore, he has dealt with a hairline fracture in his right thumb, an injury that caused him to leave two separate starts before the final whistle.

Latest developments

The current ankle issue is described as mild, yet it prevents the rookie from building momentum heading into the regular season. The coaching staff had prioritized this final preseason window to evaluate his decision-making under pressure. Instead, Wentz and Brosmer will split the snaps against the Broncos' defensive units. The team’s medical department continues to evaluate the joint to ensure no further aggravation occurs before the roster cut-down deadline.

Minnesota’s offensive strategy for the upcoming season relies heavily on the health of their quarterback room, which has seen frequent turnover due to these recurring physical issues. The organization’s decision to keep Murray on the bench reflects a league-wide trend of protecting starters, but the lack of preseason reps for the designated backup complicates the evaluation process. McCarthy’s inability to suit up in Denver leaves the coaching staff with limited tape from the final week of training camp.

As the Vikings transition toward their regular-season schedule, the focus remains on McCarthy’s recovery timeline. The team has not yet announced a specific date for his return to full practice participation. For now, the focus shifts to the performance of the remaining healthy passers in the thin air of Denver, where Brosmer is expected to see the largest volume of work in the second half. The front office will monitor the waiver wire and internal progress reports as they finalize the 53-man roster following this weekend’s action.