The Minnesota Vikings could be ready to turn the page back to quarterback J.J. McCarthy after six weeks without their opening-day starter. A high right ankle sprain sidelined McCarthy since Week 2, but Thursday night's 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers showed how urgently the Vikings need him back.

"If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play," coach Kevin 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 was close to returning this week, taking part in a workout Tuesday at the team's facility before medical staff decided he wasn't quite ready, O'Connell said. With a long weekend and an extra practice d

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