JJ McCarthy Injury Update: Insider Reveals Timeline For Vikings Star QB Amid Back-To-Back Losses

It’s currently Week 8 in the NFL, and there are many starting quarterbacks currently hurt, including Minnesota Vikings QB, JJ McCarthy.

McCarthy suffered an ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, and has missed the team’s last five games as a result. As the Vikings prepare to take on NFC North foe Detroit Lions, the expectation is that McCarthy will be the starter, returning from his injury.

ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter joined the Pat McAfee Show today and delivered some optimism for Vikings’ fans, stating that he’s confident McCarthy will play against the Lions this weekend.

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“I’m pretty confident that Lamar Jackson and JJ McCarthy will be back this week..

I also think Kyler Murray will be back on Monday night and Brock Purdy could be back for the 49ers”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/iVgoayOq8z

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 27, 2025

The Vikings will hope McCarthy can provide a spark for them, as they are 3-4 on the season nearing the midpoint. In his limited time on the field, McCarthy has completed 24-of-41 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray Should Both Be Returning This Week

JJ McCarthy isn’t the only starting quarterback expected to return back from injury this week. According to Schefter, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray should be making returns back to the field this week.

A week of expected QB returns:

🏈Ravens QB Lamar Jackson at the Dolphins.
🏈Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy at the Lions.
🏈Cardinals QB Kyler Murray at the Cowboys.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2025

Jackson has been sidelined since suffering a Week 4 hamstring injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. He will look to help the Ravens make a rally in the second half of the season, as they are currently 2-5.

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As for Murray, he’s been sidelined the past two games with a foot injury. Like the Ravens, the Cardinals are 2-5, and he will look to help the Cardinals find different results in the second half of the season.
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