Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Draws Blunt Message Before Lions Game
Carson Wentz’s 2025 NFL season has ended, putting the Minnesota Vikings in a difficult position with their veteran quarterback out of action. Attention now turns to J.J. McCarthy, who must step up and prove he can fulfill the promise that made him Minnesota’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCarthy, who has been dealing with a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 2, is expected to play on November 2 against the Detroit Lions. Before the second-year quarterback’s return, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke about where McCarthy’s mindset is.
“J.J. is in a good spot,” O’Connell told KFAN’s Paul Allen. “He had some really good work [on October 27] and should get a full week of preparation. He finally feels truly ready to
“McCarthy can bring to our offense: his mobility and his ability to protect himself, which comes from playing with great timing and rhythm from the pocket. He also has the ability to create and do some things off the schedule of the play.”
Does Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Have Pressure on Him?
NBC Sports’ Mike Florio believes the moment of truth has arrived for McCarthy, with no veteran backup to lean on for the Vikings. Last season, Minnesota relied on Sam Darnold, and this year it was Wentz, but with him out, the spotlight now falls squarely on the second-year quarterback.
“It’s time to see what J.J. McCarthy can do or not do,“ Florio said on the October 28 edition of “Pro Football Talk.“ “Let’s just see. You
“You still have J.J. McCarthy under contract for two more years. I’m not suggesting cutting him, but you go find a Daniel Jones and you try not to obsess over the fact that you had Daniel Jones and you let him get away.”
Can the Vikings Reach the Playoffs?
With McCarthy likely back for the matchup against the Lions, the Vikings hold a 3-4 record, leaving questions about their playoff chances after Wentz’s injury. Wilson admitted he isn’t
“This ain’t where you want to be at the midway point of the season,“ Wilson said on the October 27 edition of “CBS Sports HQ.” “No doubt about it.
“The other thing to keep in mind is that the Brian Flores defense hasn’t looked quite like the Brian Flores defense we saw a year ago. They’ve been exposed at times, most recently on Thursday night, where we saw the offensive line, which has also struggled with injuries.
“But you compound the issues with the offensive line struggling to stay healthy and then the defense not playing at the level that it played at a year ago. And you take that all together with a young and/or rookie quarterback, should Max Brosmer have to play. And this is where you find yourself, and there’s very little room for error.”
Colts Rookie Benched for Disciplinary Violation — Hasn’t Played a Single Snap After Shane Steichen’s Tough Message on Standards
The Indianapolis Colts’ seventh-round rookie wide receiver has yet to see the field this season — and head coach Shane Steichen just made it clear why.
Despite impressing during offseason workouts with his speed and versatility, the young wideout has remained on the practice squad since Week 1, with Steichen citing discipline and execution as the main reasons behind the decision.
“HE'S GOT THE TALENT, NO QUESTION. BUT IN INDIANAPOLIS, EXECUTION IS EVERYTHING. HE MISSED READS, BLEW ASSIGNMENTS, AND DIDN'T MASTER THE DETAILS. AROUND HERE, YOU DON'T EARN SNAPS WITH POTENTIAL — YOU EARN THEM BY PLAYING THE COLTS WAY.”
The rookie in question is Junior Bergen, a seventh-round pick (No. 252 overall) from Montana, who signed a four-year rookie contract shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft. Bergen flashed promise as a slot receiver and return specialist during training camp, drawing early comparisons to former Colts gadget players known for their versatility and intelligence.
However, insiders from the team’s practice sessions revealed that Bergen struggled to learn route progressions, execute assignments precisely, and adjust to the pace and complexity of Steichen’s offense — a system renowned for demanding timing, precision, and mental sharpness.
The Colts waived Bergen on August 26, 2025, only to re-sign him to the practice squad the following day — a move Steichen described as part of the development process rather than a punishment.
“He’s learning,” Steichen said. “But at this level, talent isn’t enough. You have to prove every day that you understand your job and that your teammates can trust you to execute it.”
Bergen has since worked closely with receivers coach Reggie Wayne, focusing on improving his route discipline and timing. Despite being benched from active play, team sources say the 23-year-old has shown steady progress and remains a long-term project for the Colts’ offense.
Still, Steichen’s message was unmistakable: in Indianapolis, consistency and preparation are non-negotiable. “This organization is built on accountability,” he said. “Every player here — whether it’s a Pro Bowler or a rookie — is expected to uphold that standard. Until you do, you sit.”
For Junior Bergen, the lesson is clear. The path back to the field won’t come from talent alone — it will come from mastering the details and earning the right to play the
