NFL 2025 Week 3: What Will the Vikings Do After Two Brutal Injuries?
Minnesota Vikings fans could easily panic right now.
After an abysmal showing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, the injury list is as long as your grocery store receipt. Injuries to two key starters could particularly pose a problem for an offense that’s already performed poorly.
Those two injuries are quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Aaron Jones, key pieces in the Vikings' offense this season. What can the Vikings do to replace their production? Let’s look at their options moving forward.
QB J.J. McCarthy: Out 2-4 weeks
McCarthy suffered an ankle sprain during the Week 2 beatdown. Now he’s expected to at least miss Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and likely more. Missing four weeks would mean he’d miss the Vikings’ overseas games in Ireland and England.
In the meantime, though, all they can do is ready his replacement. The good news is, this is why the Vikings signed Carson Wentz. Clearly, the Vikings thought Carson Wentz was capable when they signed him and traded Howell away before the regular season.
Carson Wentz was once an MVP candidate. Yes, that was way back in 2017, but it shows he’s got the skills to be a successful NFL quarterback. As recently as 2021, he had over 3,500 yards, 27 TDs, and just seven interceptions as the Indianapolis Colts quarterback. He grew up a Vikings fan and was key in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl season. He’s 32 now, but he’s the exact prototype KOC has proven he can develop into a real winner. After Sam Darnold’s success, Wentz looks primed to succeed similarly, even if it’s just for a few games. Don’t be surprised if Wentz capitalizes on this opportunity to fight for a long-term starting role.
If Wentz doesn’t work, the Vikings have impressive undrafted rookie Max Brosmer sitting behind him, and they recently signed Desmond Ridder to build up the QB room. Bet on Wentz, though, to take control for a few weeks.
RB Aaron Jones: IR for 4 weeks
This one’s tough to see, but it may not affect the Vikings' backfield too much.
Jones has had a tough start to the season before this hamstring injury, and the 30-year-old seems to be on the decline. He was part of a dynamic duo with Jordan Mason, but Mason was already taking over the rushing attack. Mason had 11 more carries than Jones through two weeks and has simply produced a better product.
The Vikings also continued what’s becoming an annual tradition by bringing RB Cam Akers back to the roster. This is the third season in a row the Vikings have brought Akers in after the regular season has already begun. He could see split time with Mason immediately, since he probably has the scheme memorized by now.
Jones’s leadership will be missed, but his production can be replicated. Backup RBs Zavier Scott and Ty Chandler could also join in producing something better than what Jones was offering the offense.
Vikings Have Chance to Surprise the NFL
These two injuries hurt when they’re added to all the other injuries the Vikings have faced to start this year. This also gives the Vikings a great opportunity to prove the doubters wrong, though. Analysts and opposing fans will write them off once they see McCarthy and Jones gone. But their backups have the chance to shine, and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell can show why he’s the reigning Coach of the Year.
Vikings fans, you should come into the next few weeks with lowered expectations for the offense. That way, you can only rejoice if it greatly exceeds those expectations.