INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell reaffirmed Thursday that second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be the starter when he's deemed healthy enough to play.

While it's still unclear exactly when that will be, O'Connell said he's hopeful that the three additional off days between last night's beatdown at the hands of the Chargers and next Sunday's division showdown with Detroit could allow McCarthy enough time to recover fully.

"If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play," O'Connell said, following Thursday night's blowout loss . "That's been the case since the injury, and that's always been kind of my mindset. ... Hopefully we're right around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete."

McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in 2024,

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