Tense Moment at Vikings Game as J.J. McCarthy Takes Hit to Injured Ankle

Key Points:

J.J. McCarthy had a scary moment during Thursday night’s game

Carson Wentz led Minnesota in McCarthy’s stead

The Vikings have a NFC North showdown at Detroit next week

The Minnesota Vikings faced the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh’s team squaring off against his former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy’s team.

McCarthy entered the contest as his team’s emergency quarterback with a lingering high ankle sprain on his right foot and watched from the sidelines as Carson Wentz led coach Kevin O’ Connell’s team.

The Vikings had a rough performance all the way around as they stumbled out of the gates, falling behind 21-3 and ultimately losing 37-10.

A tense moment unfolded along the sidelines as McCarthy watched a ballcarrier head in his direction. His athleticism was put to the test as he did his best to avoid him, taking a hit on his injured ankle that drew attention on social media.

Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass during warm ups before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

McCarthy’s Thursday Night Sideline Scare

McCarthy saw Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson coming toward him and did his best to get out of the way but it was too late to emerge untouched.

Jefferson’s body fell to the turf and McCarthy found himself in the way. He took a glancing blow to his injured right ankle as he contorted his body and did his best to avoid contact.

The Vikings’ second year quarterback appeared unfazed by the hit as he gestured for a Vikings first down after Jefferson got up off the turf and ran back to the field of play.

“Yeah, he looks pretty healthy there,” one fan said.

“Weird that he’s inactive, yet suited up and walking around,” another said.

“Footwork looks great though,” another said.

“Free Kirk Cousins!” another said of the former Vikings quarterback, calling for Minnesota to acquire his services.

Wentz Struggles in Blowout Loss

Vikings fans have grown frustrated by the team’s quarterback play of late amid a streak of two straight losses, part of a three losses in four game stretch.

Quarterback Carson Wentz was largely ineffective on Thursday night, passing for 144 yards, one touchdown and one interception while failing to lead his team to a touchdown until the third quarter as the Vikings trailed by double digits.

O’Connell’s team has plenty of time off leading into Nov. 2’s game in Detroit, when McCarthy is expected to make his return in the state where he made a name for himself at the college level.

The Vikings rolled the dice on McCarthy and Wentz in their QB room this season one year removed from a strong season with Sam Darnold leading the way.

The jury’s still out on the decision, but the pressure on McCarthy to turn things around remains high with the season reaching its midway point.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Tense Moment at Vikings Game as J.J. McCarthy Takes Hit to Injured Ankle

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