Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) won’t play in preseason Week 3 against the Broncos, reports Alec Lewis of the Athletic.

28 August 2026

The Vikings hoped that McCarthy’s ankle injury would heal, but ultimately the 23-year-old quarterback isn’t ready to play. The injury is considered minor and McCarthy is day-to-day, according to Lewis. While minor, McCarthy’s injury has cost him valuable reps as he now finds himself battling Carson Wentz for the QB2 job.