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The Minnesota Vikings are getting J.J. McCarthy back under center for the first time since Week 2. The star quarterback suffered an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for five games. More news: Dolphins Asking Price for Jaylen Waddle Trade Reportedly Revealed With McCarthy finally making his return, the Vikings received huge injury news that is great for the young signal caller’s return. NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed inactives and actives for teams heading into Week 9, and the Vikings received some huge updates on two players that the team desperately needs. Actives/inactives:— #Falcons Jessie Bates and Jalon Walker are up.— #Vikings OTs Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw are up.— #Chargers G Mekhi Becton is down.— #Packers LB Quay Walker is up.— #49ers QB Brock Purdy is inactive and not the emergency 3rd QB.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2025 Both offensive tackles Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw are active for Week 9. The Vikings’ offensive linemen have both been dealing with injuries that hampered their practice weeks. J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after defeating the Chicago Bears 27-24 at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. More news: Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco Receives Major Injury Return Update from Andy Reid O’Neill has been dealing with a lingering knee injury that kept him limited on Wednesday and Thursday, though he was upgraded to a full participant on Friday. Darrisaw has also been dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of practice on Thursday, and his status was questionable for Week 9. With both stalwart offensive linemen in the lineup, McCarthy will benefit greatly from having the most protection possible. The young quarterback was under plenty of duress in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, which led to his ankle injury. The Vikings are 3-4 on the season, with Carson Wentz posting a 2-3 record in his five starts. Wentz left it all on the field and is now out for the season after sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury. Minnesota may look to land a quarterback ahead of the trade deadline, but they will finally get McCarthy back under center for the first time in weeks. The hope for the Vikings is that another injury does not happen for McCarthy, but the team should breathe a little easier with O’Neill and Darrisaw back in the lineup. For more on the Vikings, head to Newsweek Sports.
