The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings went down to the wire last season in pursuit of the NFC North Division crown with the Lions getting the best of Minnesota on the final weekend of the season. The Lions brought back most of their 2024-25 roster in hopes of a Super Bowl run while the Vikings decided not to bring back Sam Darnold and went with second year man J.

Carson Wentz went down with a season-ending shoulder injury that will require surgery. He now goes out on his shield after taking a beating from the Los Angeles Chargers, and it means they also need a new backup for J.J. McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy is in position to return as the Minnesota Vikings’ starter next week in Detroit against the Lions. McCarthy has missed five games with a high ankle sprain. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday morning that he “feels positive” about where McCarthy is from a health standpoint.

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will link up at Ford Field this Sunday with both teams in need of a win to potentially gain ground on division leader Green Bay. The Lions have enjoyed a strong season on defense behind star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson this season while the Vikings have fallen back to the pack amid the resurgence of the Chicago Bears and starting QB J.

With reports swirling that Minnesota is targeting Sunday as McCarthy's potential return date, Campbell said he's preparing for that to be the case.

After Thursday night's disaster of a game against the Chargers, the team needs McCarthy back sooner rather than later.

This almost felt inevitable but J.J. McCarthy is expected to return for Week 9's battle against the Detroit Lions. Minnesota is under .500 and now Carson Wentz