Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is currently recovering from a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. The medical staff projected a four-to-six week recovery period for him. His head coach, Kevin O'Connell, has stated that McCarthy will not return to game action until he has completed a full week of practice, which he has yet to do. The earliest possible return is targeted for Week 7 (around mid-October 2025), but this is not guaranteed as McCarthy is "not yet healthy," and his recovery timeline could extend to Weeks 8 or 9 if needed. The Vikings had a bye week in Week 6, giving McCarthy extra time to heal without missing additional games. So far, he has missed three consecutive games and has not participated in any practice sessions since the injury. The Vikings are being cautious to ensure his ankle completely heals before allowing him to push himself on the field. In summary, McCarthy's expected return is tentatively set for Week 7, but it may be later depending on his full recovery and readiness to practice fully.
