The Minnesota Vikings fell to 1-1 on the year after a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a rough outing, as he threw two interceptions and was sacked six times, as he had no answers for the Falcons defense and pass rush. It was a game that the Vikings hoped to flush and move onto what should have been an easy win against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are without Joe Burrow for months.
But on Monday, the Vikings and the fanbase were dealt horrible injury news.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced to reporters on Monday that McCarthy is dealing with an ankle sprain and has officially been ruled out for the team's Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. With McCarthy out, Carson Wentz gets the start for the Vikings.
Big news: Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell says J.J. McCarthy came in sore with an ankle sprain. They don't anticipate having him for Sunday against the Bengals. https://t.co/BbXL0lbYUA
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 15, 2025
J.J. McCarthy ruled out for Week 3 vs. Bengals due to ankle sprain
Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that McCarthy is specifically dealing with a high ankle sprain and is considered week-to-week.
Adam Schefter clarified the NFL Network report further, saying the expectation is that McCarthy will be sidelined between two-to-four weeks.
ESPN sources: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is expected to be sidelined two-to-four weeks with a high ankle sprain.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2025
With McCarthy out, Vikings QB Carson Wentz is now in line to start. pic.twitter.com/iZ1qvackMV
This isn't the news Vikings fans wanted to hear, especially after a brutal loss. McCarthy wasn't the only Viking to leave the Sunday night game with an injury, as center Ryan Kelly is dealing with a concussion that may or may not sideline him for the Bengals game. Pair that with Christian Darrisaw still being out as he recovers from a knee injury.
McCarthy's recovery will be one to keep an eye on after the Bengals matchup. Right after that, the Vikings are in London to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland for Week 4. Then in Week 5, the Vikings head to London to face the Cleveland Browns. So that's a lot of traveling for the Vikings.
As for Wentz he is set to start in his first start since Week 18 last year for the Kansas City Chiefs, where they lost 38-0 to the Denver Broncos. Wentz completed 10-of-17 passes for just 98 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Now he'll have to duel with Jake Browning, who helped lead the Bengals to a 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars after Burrow suffered a turf toe injury.
Now, the Vikings will have to bank on Wentz to lead the offense for the next two weeks at minimum while the team awaits on McCarthy to get back to 100 percent.