J.J. MCCARTHY RULED OUT OF VIKINGS PRESEASON FINALE WITH ANKLE INJURY

J.J. McCarthy will not play for the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason finale against Denver on Friday night, owing to an ankle injury sustained during a match against the Baltimore Ravens last Saturday. McCarthy participated in scaled-down practices on Monday and Tuesday but did not train on Wednesday. The injury is not considered long-term, according to reporting from ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

The Vikings must reduce their roster to 53 players within two days of the preseason finale. McCarthy's absence from the final preseason match means he will not have the opportunity to compete for the backup quarterback position behind starter Kyler Murray. The team faces a decision regarding whether to retain McCarthy, Max Brosmer, or Carson Wentz as backup quarterbacks, given that keeping four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster is unlikely. McCarthy could be placed on short-term injured reserve, join the practice squad, be traded, or be released outright.

McCarthy's two preseason performances this season have raised questions about whether he has addressed deficiencies identified during the previous year, including durability, accuracy and touch. The Vikings' change in general management since McCarthy was drafted has made the front office better positioned to objectively assess whether retaining him serves the team's interests. The club's decision on McCarthy's future will become clear when rosters are finalised ahead of the regular season.