LOS ANGELES -- The Minnesota Vikings appear to be clearing the way for J.J. McCarthy to return as their starting quarterback next week after a six-week recovery from a high right ankle sprain.

McCarthy has served as the Vikings' emergency third quarterback for two consecutive games, including Thursday night's 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers . Afterward, coach Kevin O'Connell reaffirmed his commitment to getting McCarthy back on the field as soon as possible.

"If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play," O'Connell said. "That's been the case since the injury. That's always been kind of my mindset, and I believe we're right -- hopefully -- around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete."

McCarthy started the Vikings' first two games of the s

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