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Vikings Turn Back to J.J. McCarthy for Week 9 Start vs. Lions

Carson Wentz’s season-ending shoulder surgery leaves Minnesota leaning on an untested starter with scant depth behind him.

Overview

  • O’Connell confirmed McCarthy will start Sunday in Detroit after a five-game absence with a high right ankle sprain and said he is in a good place health-wise.
  • Wentz was placed on injured reserve with a left shoulder injury and is set for season-ending surgery, ending his stint as the interim starter.
  • Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is the primary backup on the active roster, underscoring the risk in Minnesota’s quarterback room.
  • With depth limited, reporting points to the Vikings evaluating veteran insurance ahead of the trade deadline, with various media speculating on potential targets without any deal in place.
  • McCarthy enters with just 41 career attempts and early-season data showing a high sack rate and slow time to throw, as coaches stress quicker decisions, better accuracy and taking fewer hits against what ESPN rates as the NFL’s toughest remaining schedule.