Vikings’ Injury Woes Continue Ahead of Key Matchup

LONDON — The Minnesota Vikings will be without quarterback Ryan McCarthy for the third consecutive game due to a right high ankle sprain. He was unable to practice on Friday, leading to the decision to hold him out of the upcoming match against the Cleveland Browns.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell expressed disappointment over McCarthy missing practice. “He got through [the week] pretty well,” O’Connell said. “Obviously with the weather today, my hope was to try to get him some work during individual drills, but with the weather and the tight field space, we wanted to be smart with that.”

McCarthy suffered his injury during the Vikings’ 22-6 loss on September 14 and has not practiced since. In his absence, backup quarterback Carson Wentz will take the lead. Wentz has completed 44 passes for 523 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions over two starts.

The Vikings’ offensive line faces significant challenges with multiple starters sidelined. Starting center Ryan Kelly has been placed on injured reserve after suffering two concussions this season. Additionally, right tackle Brian O'Neill is out with a right MCL injury, and left guard Ezra Cleveland is unavailable due to a wrist issue.

In response, the Vikings have made adjustments, moving guard Ole Brandel to center and signing rookie center Anthony Smith from their practice squad for added support. Smith is expected to back up Brandel. Coach O’Connell emphasized that player health remains the top priority when discussing Kelly’s concussion history, stating, “We want to make sure Ryan is in a good place.”

The Vikings will aim to regroup and find solutions as they prepare to face the Browns on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with their next game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 19.