Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was sidelined for Friday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos due to an ankle injury. McCarthy's injury forced coach Kevin O'Connell to sideline him earlier than expected from the Ravens game. The Vikings quarterback had suffered an injury scare the previous weekend during a game against the Baltimore Ravens. The team's coach had earlier expressed hope that McCarthy could start against the Broncos for extra reps before the regular season gets underway.
"We hoped to get him turned over," commented coach Kevin O'Connell after the Vikings' 34-6 defeat to the Broncos. "The goal was to have him start the game tonight and try to get him a half if we could...we just couldn't get him there," O'Connell added. When asked where McCarthy ranked on the depth chart after the preseason ended, O'Connell said, "We're going to work through that as a staff and see where he's at from a health standpoint first and foremost. We don't have any long-term concerns. Still consider him day-to-day, and we'll see what that looks like."
Vikings starter Kyler Murray was already set to sit out, along with most of Minnesota's key starters, leaving Carson Wentz and second-year quarterback Max Brosmer as the available roster options in Denver.
The franchise remains optimistic about his swift recovery as medical staff continue to monitor his daily progress ahead of upcoming training sessions.