McCarthy nears return as Wentz fights pain in loss

""If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play," O'Connell said. "That's been the case since the injury. That's always been kind of my mindset, and I believe we're right -- hopefully -- around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete." McCarthy started the Vikings' first two games of the season but reported significant soreness in his right ankle the morning after a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 14."

"McCarthy later said he received a timetable of up to six weeks for a full recovery. The Vikings put him through a workout Tuesday at their practice facility to see if playing against the Chargers was an option, but O'Connell said: "J.J. and the medical staff didn't quite feel like he was there yet.""

The Minnesota Vikings are preparing to reinstate J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback after a roughly six-week recovery from a high right ankle sprain. McCarthy served as the emergency third quarterback for two games while Carson Wentz started five games and compiled a 2-3 record. Coach Kevin O'Connell emphasized that if McCarthy is healthy he will play and indicated the team believes McCarthy is nearing readiness. McCarthy experienced significant soreness the morning after the Sept. 14 loss to Atlanta, received a recovery timetable of up to six weeks, and completed a workout but was not cleared for the Chargers. A mini-bye and an extra Monday practice will provide a full week of preparation before the Nov. 2 game at Detroit.

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