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Vikings’ Overseas Travel Plans for JJ McCarthy Revealed
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- Vikings’ Overseas Travel Plans for JJ McCarthy Revealed
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings will take the field on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals . They do so with Carson Wentz under center. He is taking over for starter J.J. McCarthy who is battling a high ankle sprain .
Despite finishing the game against the Atlanta Falcons , McCarthy suffered the ankle sprain earlier in the second half. It clearly impacted his play, and Kevin O'Connell delivered the somber news on Monday.
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Now with two weeks of international play scheduled , the Minnesota Vikings are expected to bring their starting quarterback with them.
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JJ McCarthy to travel overseas with Minnesota Vikings
After the Vikings conclude their contest with the Cincinnati Bengals, they'll turn their focus to the Pittsburgh Steelers . That game takes place in Dublin, Ireland. Their next opponent is the Cleveland Browns , and that contest is scheduled for London, England. Rather than join them mid-trip, or not make the journey at all, McCarthy will be on the initial flight.
After today, Minnesota will become the first NFL team to play two straight international games in two different countries, next Sunday against the Steelers in Dublin, and the following Sunday against the Browns in London.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, who is battling a high ankle…— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2025
That's notable for multiple reasons. McCarthy is currently expected to miss between two and four weeks. The game against Pittsburgh would be week two, so the Cleveland Browns game would be the first logical opening for his return.
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Beyond just his return to play, McCarthy will be on a plane ride, at elevation, for nearly seven-and-a-half hours. That's not the greatest recipe for swelling or someone dealing with an injury. Of course this isn't just a passenger jet, and the charter will certainly accommodate him to the utmost extent. Still, the Vikings belief that going on the trip makes sense, speaks volumes.
The immediate future for Minnesota is an opportunity for Carson Wentz. The 33-year-old has played in 98 games and drawn 94 starts during his 10-year career. He hasn't gotten significant run since 2021, and strong performance could turn that tide.
Related: MN Vikings Schedule Allows for Hope
If Wentz flops, then the Vikings will be looking to reinsert McCarthy as quickly as possible. That could happen while in Europe. If Wentz succeeds though, it might just be a vacation with a bit of work on the side for the former Michigan product.
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Healthy line gives MN Vikings quarterbacks hope
On Sunday against the Bengals , Minnesota will get Harrison Smith back on defense . He's not the only veteran returning to the lineup. Christian Darrisaw is expected to be all systems go as well .
The addition of the star left tackle is massive. Justin Skule has been among the worst tackles in the league during his two starts in Darrisaw's place. It was a problem for McCarthy, who was trying to survive behind what was expected to be a bolstered offensive line .
Related: Vikings Get Massive Boost With Starters Returning
Wentz won't have Ryan Kelly on Sunday. The starting center is still working his way back from a concussion. However, that shouldn't be a long term injury and the hope would be that the entire unit is ready to go next week.
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Minnesota built in the trenches to give their new quarterback a chance. They are currently working with another new quarterback in Wentz, but the line being healthy is the most straightforward way for any of them to succeed.
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