3 hours ago
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in a walking boot on his sprained ankle, coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Wednesday.
McCarthy, center Ryan Kelly and tackle Justin Skule did not practice Wednesday due to injuries. Kelly and Skule are among four Vikings players in the concussion protocol, along with outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Jeff Okudah.
McCarthy, who sprained his right ankle in the loss to the Falcons, has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Bengals. The team did not place him on injured reserve, indicating his absence could be shorter than the four-game minimum required by IR.
“He’s responding well early on to treatment,” O’Connell said. “He’s in a boot and kind of letting that thing settle down when he’s not getting treatment. Still heavily involved in meetings and installs and everything.”
Which blockers are available to protect McCarthy’s replacement, Carson Wentz, remains to be seen. Kelly and Skule have started both games so far but may not be cleared to play this week. Second-year center Michael Jurgens took first-team snaps on Wednesday.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who has yet to play this season, was a full participant in practice. He’s nearly 11 months removed from last year’s season-ending knee injury, but he’s still trying to get “comfortable,” O’Connell said.
“He’s been progressing exactly on the timeline,” O’Connell said. “Christian’s expectations and desire to be out on the field is driving everything right now, and he’s continuing to try to get to a place where ... he’s comfortable.”
Seven players needed limited reps on Wednesday: Van Ginkel, safety Harrison Smith (illness), guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (oblique), tight end Josh Oliver (ankle), safety Theo Jackson (hip) and linebacker Austin Keys (groin).
McCarthy, center Ryan Kelly and tackle Justin Skule did not practice Wednesday due to injuries. Kelly and Skule are among four Vikings players in the concussion protocol, along with outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Jeff Okudah.
McCarthy, who sprained his right ankle in the loss to the Falcons, has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Bengals. The team did not place him on injured reserve, indicating his absence could be shorter than the four-game minimum required by IR.
“He’s responding well early on to treatment,” O’Connell said. “He’s in a boot and kind of letting that thing settle down when he’s not getting treatment. Still heavily involved in meetings and installs and everything.”
Which blockers are available to protect McCarthy’s replacement, Carson Wentz, remains to be seen. Kelly and Skule have started both games so far but may not be cleared to play this week. Second-year center Michael Jurgens took first-team snaps on Wednesday.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who has yet to play this season, was a full participant in practice. He’s nearly 11 months removed from last year’s season-ending knee injury, but he’s still trying to get “comfortable,” O’Connell said.
“He’s been progressing exactly on the timeline,” O’Connell said. “Christian’s expectations and desire to be out on the field is driving everything right now, and he’s continuing to try to get to a place where ... he’s comfortable.”
Seven players needed limited reps on Wednesday: Van Ginkel, safety Harrison Smith (illness), guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (oblique), tight end Josh Oliver (ankle), safety Theo Jackson (hip) and linebacker Austin Keys (groin).