Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will get some "extensive work" during the team's bye week, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, in hopes he can begin ramping up to a return to the field.

"We'll pick it up officially next week, but I'm encouraged about where he's at right now," O'Connell said Monday.

McCarthy suffered an ankle injury in the team's Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and hasn't played since. Backup Carson Wentz has gone 2-1 in McCarthy's stead, completing 69% of his passes while throwing five touchdowns and two interceptions. O'Connell said it has been valuable for McCarthy to see a veteran operate the offense.

"[McCarthy's] had some real moments of growth through this time," the head coach said. "I think watching the way Carson's gone through progressi

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