Vikings Struggle with Injuries
Introduction
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to an ankle injury, as reported by the Star Tribune. This news comes as a blow to the struggling Vikings, who are already dealing with a growing list of injured players.
Injury Woes for the Vikings
McCarthy's absence adds to the mounting injury concerns for the Vikings. Star running back Dalvin Cook is also expected to miss Sunday's game due to a sprained ankle. In addition, the team's defense is dealing with a number of injuries, including linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Harrison Smith. The Vikings will have to rely on backup quarterback Carson Wentz to lead the offense against the Bengals.
Potential Impact on the Game
The absence of McCarthy and other key players could have a significant impact on the Vikings' performance on Sunday. The team will need to make adjustments and rely on their depth to fill the holes left by injured players. Additionally, Wentz will have to step up and lead the offense in McCarthy's absence. The outcome of the game may hinge on how well the Vikings can overcome their injury woes.
About the People Mentioned
J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy is a 22-year-old quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, born on January 20, 2003. He was drafted by the Vikings in the first round (10th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Michigan.[3][4] During his college career at Michigan, McCarthy established himself as one of the program's most successful quarterbacks. He finished with a 27-1 record as a starter, achieving a 96.4 winning percentage—the best by any college quarterback since 1971.[2] He accumulated 7,905 career pass yards with 49 touchdown passes and just 13 interceptions, demonstrating exceptional accuracy and decision-making.[2] McCarthy was named the Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year in 2023 and earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors that same year.[2] He also received the Bo Schembechler Most Valuable Player award in 2023 and was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.[2] McCarthy made an immediate impact in his NFL debut, making history in a Vikings victory over the Chicago Bears. He became the first quarterback to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns in his NFL debut, throwing two touchdown passes to Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones before adding a 14-yard rushing touchdown.[1] Trailing 17-6 after three quarters, McCarthy orchestrated a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, leading the Vikings to a 27-24 win.[1] He also became the first quarterback to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit of at least 10 points since Hall of Famer Steve Young nearly 40 years earlier.[1] Additionally, McCarthy joined Vikings Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton as the only Vikings quarterbacks to throw multiple touchdowns in their NFL debuts.[1] Currently, McCarthy serves as the Vikings' starting quarterback as the team competes in the 2025 NFL season, continuing to build on his record-setting debut performance.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Star Tribune
The **Star Tribune** is Minnesota’s leading newspaper and media organization, renowned for being the state’s most trusted source of news and information. Its origins trace back to **May 25, 1867**, when it was first published as the *Minneapolis Tribune*, just months after Minneapolis was officially chartered as a city[1][2]. Over the years, the paper underwent multiple ownership changes in its early decades, stabilizing by the late 19th century when Gilbert A. Pierce and William J. Murphy purchased it in 1891. Murphy modernized the publication by introducing advanced printing technology and pioneering early uses of color and cartoons[1]. The Star Tribune’s current form is the result of several key mergers. In the early 20th century, the *Minneapolis Star* and *Minneapolis Journal* emerged as competitors. The Cowles family, media publishers from Des Moines, Iowa, acquired the *Star* in 1935 and the *Journal* in 1939, merging them into the *Star-Journal*. In 1941, the Cowles family purchased the *Minneapolis Tribune* and consolidated ownership of Minneapolis’s major newspapers. The *Tribune* became the morning paper, the *Star* the evening edition, and they published a joint Sunday edition[1][2][3]. The final merger creating the *Minneapolis Star and Tribune* occurred in 1982, with the name shortened to *Star Tribune* in 1987[3]. Throughout its history, the Star Tribune has been a pioneer in journalism and technology, adapting to changing media landscapes while maintaining broad reach across Minnesota. Its archives include over three million pages spanning from 1867 to 2025, reflecting a rich historical record of local and national events[4][5]. Today, it remains a vital source for business, technology, and general news, leveraging digital platforms alongside traditional print to serve diverse audiences. The Star Tribune’s longevity, adaptive innovation
