J.J. McCarthy is in position to return as the Minnesota Vikings’ starter next week in Detroit against the Lions. McCarthy has missed five games with a high ankle sprain. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday morning that he “feels positive” about where McCarthy is from a health standpoint.

Sadly, this was almost predictable but Carson Wentz was not 100% on Thursday night and it showed. This sets up Minnesota for the return of J.J. McCarthy.

The postgame handshake between Michigan alums J.J. McCarthy and Jim Harbaugh after Thursday's Vikings-Chargers game sparked some buzz.

When they were both in Ann Arbor, former Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh called quarterback J.J. McCarthy like ‘a favored son.’ And you could see, not just on the field, the bond between coach and player. But how would that relationship survive when the duo are on opposing sides in the NFL?

The Minnesota Vikings are optimistic that quarterback JJ McCarthy will be healthy enough to play against the Detroit Lions in Week 9.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy nearly took a hit to his injured right ankle during Thursday night's game.

McCarthy, who is on track to return next week in Detroit, holds the keys to creating hope for the Vikings' future.

However, Wentz still played and visibly struggled through the game. The Vikings eventually lost 37-10. They are now 3-4 and at the bottom of the NFC North table. Read More: JJ McC