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Vikings' JJ McCarthy Misses Thursday's Practice for Best Possible Reason

By Chris Schad

Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images / Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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Ever since the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears on Monday night, J.J. McCarthy has been the talk of the NFL. The second-year quarterback had an eventful first start, riding out a three-quarter storm to lead the Vikings to 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and a 27-24 comeback victory over the Bears in Week 1. Naturally, fans are wondering what's next.

McCarthy has spent the last couple of days preparing for an encore before missing Thursday’s practice, which sparked concern across social media. Before Vikings fans freak out, though, McCarthy had a very good excuse, and it could lead to some extra motivation before his first home start against the Atlanta Falcons.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Absent from Practice for Birth of 1st Son

According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, McCarthy was absent from Thursday’s practice as his fiancee prepares to give birth to his first son. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert also noted that McCarthy was the team’s practice facility, TCO Performance Center, on Thursday morning but has left as the couple awaits good news.

The arrival of a baby boy will make McCarthy’s week even sweeter. McCarthy finished the win over the Bears completing 13-of-20 passes for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns and sealed the game with a 14-yard touchdown run that put the Vikings ahead 27-17 with 2:53 to play.

McCarthy’s performance helped him win the NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award for his first game as a starter, and many have noted the intangibles that helped the ex-Michigan Wolverine overcome a Pick-6 in the first quarter and help the Vikings win the game.

“There’s no way to deny, we don’t win this game unless J.J. plates the way he did in the second half,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said after Week 1, via Grant Gordon of NFL.com. “Most importantly, he kept the belief of his football team behind him. Now, we know it’s possible.”

The Vikings will look to build off their win on Monday by hosting the Falcons on Sunday. While McCarthy may be a little tired after the birth of his son, it’s a small price to pay for what’s been a tremendous week for the young quarterback.

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