Vikings quarterback JJ. McCarthy, who has missed five games because of a high ankle sprain, is expected to start against the Lions on Sunday.

The quarterback situation might be settling into place in this frustrating and painful start to the season for the Minnesota Vikings.

After missing the last five games due to a high ankle sprain, J.J. McCarthy is set to return for the Vikings and make the third start of his career against the Lions this week. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus and has been out for an extended period once again this season, but is finally ready to play on Sunday.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (right ankle sprain) took all of the first-team reps in Wednesday's practice and said he's "ready to go" for Sunday's game at the Lions.

J.J. McCarthy watched on as Carson Wentz and the Minnesota Vikings dropped their second-straight game, falling to 3-4 on the 2025 NFL season after a 37-10 loss to Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8's edition of "Thursday Night Football.

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback problem has a new chapter, wrinkle, and injury thrown into the fold as the team heads towards Week 9. In Week 9, they now seemingly will be throwing J.J. McCarthy to the Lions, ones from Detroit specifically, and the expectations have to be realistic.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters last week that quarterback J.J. McCarthy would start when he’s healthy. They may need him to be this week. According to multiple reporters on the scene,

Leading up to the Week 7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, McCarthy returned to practice for the first time as a limited participant and remained limited through Week 8. However, on Wednesday, ahead of the Vikings’ matchup with the Lions, McCarthy was finally listed as a full participant in practice.