Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy set to miss Week 3 with ankle injury, could sit out multiple weeks

The Minnesota Vikings are bracing to be without rookie starter J.J. McCarthy in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, after the quarterback picked up an ankle sprain during Sunday night's 22-6 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed Monday that McCarthy arrived at the facility "sore," leading the medical staff to take a closer look at the injury. While O’Connell doesn’t anticipate McCarthy suiting up this weekend, he stressed the issue isn’t severe enough to land the young passer on Injured Reserve.

J.J. McCarthy could be sidelined for a stretch, with reports suggesting the Vikings rookie is facing a two-to-four week absence after suffering what's been diagnosed as a high-ankle sprain, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

It’s still a mystery when exactly the injury occurred during Minnesota's Week 2 defeat to Atlanta, though many point to a third-quarter scramble as the likely culprit. Despite the setback, McCarthy played through the pain but was unable to find much rhythm offensively. The fourth quarter proved especially tough—he fumbled on a sack, oversaw a three-and-out, and threw a late interception on the Vikings’ final three drives.

If McCarthy can't go Sunday, Carson Wentz is in line to take the reins. That would set up a battle of backup quarterbacks in Cincinnati, with Jake Browning starting for the Bengals in place of the injured Joe Burrow (toe).

McCarthy's NFL baptism hasn't been smooth sailing. After missing all of last year with a knee issue, he’s managed just 301 passing yards across two starts, with two touchdowns against three interceptions. 

Both of those scores came late in Week 1, when he shook off a sluggish beginning to spark a 27-24 comeback win over the Bears. But that poise and production didn't carry into Week 2, as the Falcons' defense clamped down and exposed the rookie's growing pains. The Vikings will next play Bengals in Week 3 on Sunday afternoon.