J.J. McCARTHY could be back in action as soon as this week- if his dodgy ankle holds up.
The Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback has missed the last two games after suffering an ankle injury in their Week 2 loss to the Falcons.
McCarthy has been battling an ankle injury[/caption]
He was spotted in training and his manager has now provided some positive updates[/caption]
But there’s fresh hope for the 22-year-old, with head coach Kevin O’Connell revealing the team is optimistic about his return to practice ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The Vikings are currently wrapping up their UK tour, and McCarthy could be seen back on the training field as early as Thursday or Friday.
“We’re going to handle Wednesday, probably in a unique way, from what could be kind of a hybrid day, but as we get into Thursday and Friday, I’m hoping we can at least get him out there and get him taking some drops and starting to get back in the normal rhythm of the practice week,” O’Connell said.
“Because you’re really going back to, he had a ‘fast Friday’ before that Atlanta game, but you’re really going all the way back to the Chicago game, to when he had a normal circumstance of practice to be able to stack days together.
“It will all depend on kind of where he’s at with the benchmarks of being able to go out there and start moving around a little bit.”
McCarthy has been sidelined since Week 2 and hasn’t completed a full practice since Minnesota’s season-opening win over the Bears.
The team is being cautious with his recovery, preferring to ease him back into action rather than rush the former Michigan star.
Veteran QB Carson Wentz has stepped in as cover during McCarthy’s absence, but the Vikings are eager to get their first-round pick back under center.
While there’s a chance McCarthy could suit up this weekend, the team has a bye in Week 6, giving him more time to fully recover.
That means Week 7 is shaping up as a more realistic target for his full return to the starting lineup.
Still, this week’s practice sessions will be crucial in determining whether McCarthy is ready to go sooner.
O’Connell and his staff will monitor the quarterback closely over the next few days before making any decision.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have other injury concerns, with right tackle Brian O’Neill now listed as week-to-week due to an MCL sprain.
And linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will miss practice altogether this week as he deals with a neck issue.
Andrew Van Ginkel has been battling a neck problem[/caption]
Brian O’Neill also has injury concerns that is being monitored closely[/caption]
