Vikings’ JJ McCarthy feeling ‘amazing’ ahead of Week 9 return
Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is officially back at full strength and ready to reclaim his starting role as the team prepares for its Week 9 clash against the Detroit Lions. After missing six games with a high right ankle sprain suffered in Week 2, the second-year signal-caller took all first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice, his first full session since the injury.
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Speaking to reporters after practice, McCarthy said his ankle feels “amazing” heading into Sunday’s game, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
“Ready to go. I feel like myself again. I feel like I have those mobility things that I was concerned about going into last week and the prior weeks. So yeah, ready to go,” he said.
McCarthy’s return comes at an important time for Minnesota. Veteran Carson Wentz, who started in McCarthy’s absence, sustained a season-ending left shoulder injury and will undergo surgery. Wentz led the Vikings to a 2–3 record during that stretch, keeping the team in contention. Now at 3–4 and sitting last in the NFC North, the Vikings are counting on McCarthy to provide stability and lead an offense that currently ranks 18th in scoring.
The 2024 first-round pick has been away from the field since September 14, when his ankle injury first occurred. Swelling worsened during the team’s flight to Dublin before the September 28 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which forced him to miss several weeks.
McCarthy resumed limited practice after the team’s bye week and tested the ankle before the Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but head coach Kevin O’Connell and the medical staff determined he wasn’t ready.
This week proved to be a watershed in his comeback, as McCarthy practiced fully and moved without restriction, convincing O’Connell to name him the Week 9 starter. Behind him on the depth chart are rookie Max Brosmer as QB2 and veteran John Wolford, recently signed to the practice squad for added insurance.
McCarthy has missed 23 of his first 25 games, including playoffs, due to injuries. Before going down, he ranked second-to-last in QBR (20.3), but he’s spent his recovery working closely with O’Connell to refine his decision-making and fundamentals.
The WWE legend Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs dressed up as for Halloween
With Halloween coming up, people are getting their costumes ready. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs dressed up as one of the most legendary WWE wrestlers, Jeff Hardy.
Gibbs' girlfriend, Nicole Anderson, posted a video of them posing dressed in their Halloween costumes. She was dressed as Lita, another wrestling legend, and Gibbs was dressed up as Hardy, makeup and all.
In the video, Gibbs did Hardy's iconic dance that he does during his entrance. He nailed the costume, complete with the arm sleeves and a WWE Championship belt.
Jahmyr Gibbs will forever be my GOAT for dressing as Jeff Hardy for Halloween 😭
— Eazy (@SpeakEZsports_) October 29, 2025
Hardy is a legend in WWE for his tag team with his brother, Matt. Currently, they are part of TNA and the reigning TNA World Tag Team Champions. They are working with WWE as part of TNA's partnership with
Who is Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs' girlfriend?
Gibbs' girlfriend is a social media influencer and model. According to an interview with People, her posts about gamedays have led to opportunities to work with New Era Cap. That campaign also featured other famous NFL significant others.
Currently, Gibbs and the Lions are 5-2 and in second place in the NFC North. They are coming off a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gibbs is ninth in the NFL with 526 rushing yards, and he has scored six touchdowns on the ground. Additionally, he has caught 26 passes for 194 yards and a score.
He is coming off the best season of his career. In 2024, Gibbs rushed for over 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also logged over 500 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air.
Gibbs was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He was named to the Pro Bowl in both of his first two seasons.
During his collegiate career, Gibbs became a star at Alabama after transferring from Georgia Tech. In his last collegiate season, Gibbs had 926 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 44 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns.
