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?

After Thursday night's disaster of a game against the Chargers, the team needs McCarthy back sooner rather than later.

When the Lions return from the bye and host the Minnesota Vikings, they can expect to face J.J. McCarthy as Minnesota's starting QB

If McCarthy picks up where he left off and Minnesota’s season sputters to an uninspiring finish, everything will be in question for this team.

It seems like the Minnesota Vikings are being extra cautious with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury. He did not play on Thursday night, marking the fifth game in a row that McCarthy was sidelined.

The Vikings have been without their starting quarterback since Week 2 when he suffered a sprained ankle during a loss to the Falcons.

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