J.J. McCarthy gets day off for injured ankle; Vikings hope he can play in preseason finale

EAGAN, Minn. — Third-year Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn’t practice Wednesday. Coach Kevin O’Connell said he still hopes McCarthy can start Friday’s final preseason game in Denver against the Broncos.

O’Connell said Wednesday’s absence is due to McCarthy’s lingering ankle injury from Saturday’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. McCarthy played the first quarter and took several hits in the pocket.

He hobbled off the field Saturday and didn’t return, even though the Vikings had planned for him to play at least one more drive. McCarthy practiced Monday and Tuesday. O’Connell said he will miss Wednesday’s quasi-scrimmage with the expectation that more time to heal should help his chances of being available Friday.

McCarthy is vying for the backup quarterback job with veteran Carson Wentz. O’Connell said Wednesday that he wants to continue to give all of the quarterbacks opportunities, then make the best decision for the team.

Wentz’s steadiness gives him an advantage, while McCarthy’s development upside is also a factor. O’Connell confirmed that the Vikings plan to bring clarity to the position in the coming weeks, ensuring what the depth will look like behind starter Kyler Murray.