J.J. McCarthy is not playing this week (Week 4, 2025) due to a high ankle sprain injury. He has missed practice for two consecutive weeks and was ruled out for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has indicated caution in McCarthy's return, emphasizing that the quarterback won’t play until fully healed. McCarthy is currently "day to day" for recovery but has not resumed practice, and the earliest expected return could be after the team’s Week 6 bye, potentially Week 7. Backup QB Carson Wentz is starting in McCarthy's place this week and likely for Week 5 as well.