Imagine being a star quarterback, itching to get back on the field, but your body has other plans. That’s the reality J.J. McCarthy is facing right now. After suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 2, McCarthy is back at practice, but he’s the first to admit he’s not at 100 percent yet. In a candid update, McCarthy described the injury as 'unfortunate and one of those really annoying injuries,' but he’s determined to push through. 'I’m just continuing to work to get to 100 percent as fast as possible,' he told the Associated Press’s Dave Campbell on Wednesday. But here’s where it gets tricky: doctors have given him a recovery timeline of up to six weeks. And this is the part most people miss—high-ankle sprains are notoriously stubborn, often lingering longer than expected. McCarthy is striving daily to accelerate his recovery, but he was limited in his return to practice, with coach Kevin O’Connell confirming that both McCarthy and Carson Wentz will split first-team reps this week. O’Connell emphasized the importance of getting McCarthy back into live action, saying, 'The big thing is just getting him back on the grass, in uniform, practicing, and applying some of the things he’s worked hard on during rehab.' Wentz has held down the fort with a 2-1 record in McCarthy’s absence, but the Vikings haven’t named a starter for this week. McCarthy is leaving the decision to the team, acknowledging, 'We’ve got to be smart here… I’m just going to do what I’m told and try to get better as fast as possible.' While it seems likely he’ll need at least another week to fully recover, the bigger question looms: Can the Vikings afford to wait, or is it time to fully commit to Wentz? This is where opinions will clash. Some fans believe McCarthy’s potential is worth the wait, while others argue Wentz has proven himself capable. What do you think? Is patience the key, or should the Vikings ride with Wentz for now? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
