The Minnesota Vikings turned a few heads on Saturday when they released third-string quarterback Desmond Ridder just 24 hours before they faced the Cleveland Browns in London.
The move was a bit puzzling at first, considering it left the Vikings with only Carson Wentz and rookie Max Brosmer as the only two healthy quarterbacks on the team’s roster.
But that decision made a little more sense after Sunday’s 21-17 win over the Browns when ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that second-year QB J.J. McCarthy is nearing his return.
“The belief is that J.J. McCarthy will be ready in Week 7,” Schefter said on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
Schefter’s report is a stark contrast to the more ominous update provided by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini just one day before.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up against the Atlanta Falcons before the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapol…Read More | Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
“For now, [McCarthy’s] focus is on capping a two-week European trip with a win over the Browns,” Russini wrote. “And (Kevin) O’Connell has earned the benefit of the doubt that when McCarthy is ready, when he’s had a full week of practice and when he’s healthy, he’ll be the starter.
“I’ve been told by multiple sources that McCarthy isn’t healthy, and while the target return has been Week 7 against the Eagles, it could still be longer.”
Minnesota is one game above .500 and heading into its bye next week, giving McCarthy an additional week of preparation to get ready for the Vikings’ Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 19.
Philadelphia ranks 22nd in total defense (333.3 yards allowed per game) and 16th in scoring defense (22 points per game allowed).
McCarthy hasn’t played since Week 2 when he suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Atlanta Falcons. In his two appearances, he’s completed 24 of his 41 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He’s also rushed for 50 yards and another score.
In his absence, Wentz has thrown for 523 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 2-1 record.
