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        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Is J.J. McCarthy Still Minnesota's Starter?

        By Jared Smola | Updated on Tue, Sep 23 2025 7:05 PM UTC
        J.J. McCarthy Headshot

        Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell "declined to say if he was 100% committed to [QB J.J.] McCarthy resuming his starting role once he is healthy" on Monday, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. McCarthy is out of his walking boot as he works back from a high-ankle sprain. But he's already been ruled out for Week 4, and it sounds like he's not guaranteed to immediately get the starting job back once healthy.

        What They're Saying

        O'Connell on McCarthy: "First and foremost, he's got to get healthy. And then, I don't think it's one of those things where it's, hey, he's healthy the night before a game, we're going to throw him out there and say, 'Hey, go figure it out' type of thing."

        2025 Fantasy Football Impact

        It'd be a major upset if the Vikings didn't go back to McCarthy at some point this season considering they spent the 10th overall pick on him in last year's draft. But it wouldn't be surprising if the team slow-plays his return from this injury, especially if it keeps winning with QB Carson Wentz.

        The Vikings play in Dublin and then London these next two weeks -- and then get a Week 6 bye. Don't expect to see McCarthy back before Week 7. And it's possible he remains on the bench a while longer, depending on his health and Wentz's play.

        McCarthy is worth keeping stashed on most superflex and 2-QB league benches, but he's fine to drop in 1-QB leagues.

        Jared Smola Author Image
        Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
        Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and in-season tools. He currently ranks ninth among 173 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
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