By Sunday 
After weeks on the sidelines nursing a high-ankle sprain, J.J. McCarthy is officially back under center for the Minnesota Vikings — and the timing couldn’t be more dramatic. The rookie quarterback returns just in time for a Week 9 showdown against the Detroit Lions, one of the hottest teams in football right now.
McCarthy’s Return Comes With Big Expectations
NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that the Vikings expect McCarthy to start against the Lions, marking his first action since Week 2. The team reportedly wanted to make sure he was “fully healthy and ready to go,” giving him extra recovery time during the bye week. Now, seven weeks later, the Michigan product gets his shot at redemption.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff have made it clear — they still believe McCarthy is “the right man for the job.” Sure, he’s had his shaky moments, but the kid has shown poise when it counts. After a thrilling comeback win over Caleb Williams and the Bears in Week 1, Minnesota fans got a glimpse of what could be a bright future.
Aidan Hutchinson Awaits
But if there’s one man standing between McCarthy and a fairytale return, it’s Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions’ defensive star has been terrorizing quarterbacks all season, racking up 6.0 sacks and four forced fumbles through seven games. Expect Hutchinson to test every bit of McCarthy’s mobility and composure in the pocket — or outside it, if the rookie has to scramble for his life.
Rookie vs. Rising Powerhouse
This isn’t just another divisional matchup; it’s a full-circle moment. A Michigan star stepping back into action against one of Detroit’s own — both hungry, both with something to prove. For McCarthy, it’s about reclaiming his rhythm. For Hutchinson, it’s about reminding the NFC North who’s boss.
One thing’s for sure: come kickoff, all eyes will be on No. 9 — and the man determined to chase him down.