September 15, 2025
ANALYSISVikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't yet ruled out McCarthy for Week 3, but he said Monday that the second-year quarterback's status for the matchup with Cincinnati is unclear due to a high-ankle sprain, leaving Wentz in a position to step in under center. With
Joe Burrow (toe) in line for an extended absence of his own, the Week 3 matchup could feature a battle of backup quarterbacks, with Wentz potentially facing off against the Bengals'
Jake Browning. Meanwhile,
Jordan Addison will finish out his three-game suspension this Sunday, and
Aaron Jones (hamstring) appears unlikely to play against Cincinnati, leaving wideouts
Justin Jefferson,
Jalen Nailor and
Adam Thielen, running back
Jordan Mason and tight end
T.J. Hockenson as the top skill-position weapons available for Week 3.