The Detroit Lions remain in a heated battle for control of the NFC North, and it appears their next test could be tougher than expected following recent news about a division rival’s top player.
Currently on a bye week, the Lions are using the break to regroup and heal from a wave of injuries—particularly on defense. But while Detroit rests, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing to welcome back their starting quarterback just in time for next week’s showdown.
J.J. McCarthy Expected to Return Against Detroit
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is trending toward a Week 9 return when Minnesota hosts Detroit. McCarthy has missed five consecutive games due to a high ankle sprain, but head coach Kevin O’Connell provided an encouraging update on Friday.
“He got some work today, and we’re hopeful he’ll continue progressing early next week so he can have a full week of preparation,” O’Connell told reporters.
O’Connell also noted that McCarthy’s focus during the bye week will be on re-establishing chemistry with his receivers and fine-tuning his mechanics.
“For J.J., it’s all about the discipline he’s shown during rehab—getting back to the fundamentals that sync his feet and eyes, helping him find completions whether it’s to a wideout, T.J. Hockenson, or even our running backs like Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason,” O’Connell explained.
The Vikings offense has struggled in McCarthy’s absence. Veteran Carson Wentz filled in but battled injuries of his own, completing just 15-of-27 passes for 144 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during a 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Minnesota has invested heavily in McCarthy’s development, even allowing Sam Darnold—who led them to a 14-3 finish last year after McCarthy’s previous injury—to depart in free agency. The young quarterback flashed potential early this season, but his durability remains an ongoing concern.
Detroit May Get Reinforcements After the Bye
While the Lions could be dealing with McCarthy’s return, they’re also poised to receive some much-needed help of their own. Jimmy Liao of USA Today’s Lions Wire reported that several key contributors are expected back soon.
Defensive backs Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are likely to return next week, followed by Terrion Arnold and Sione Vaki the week after. The team is also anticipating later comebacks from DJ Reed, Marcus Davenport, and Malcolm Rodriguez, which would significantly strengthen a defense that has been hit hard by injuries over the past two seasons.
With those reinforcements on the horizon, Detroit’s depth should improve. However, insiders have speculated that general manager Brad Holmes may still look to add another defensive piece before the trade deadline, particularly in the secondary or on the defensive line.
The Lions are hopeful that fresh legs and returning starters can help them stay in control of the NFC North — especially with McCarthy potentially back under center for their next divisional clash.
