Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy shares a strong message about his health ahead of his return as the starter in Week 9.

Full practice for J.J. McCarthy signals a Week 9 return, aligning with Kevin O’Connell’s “if he’s healthy, he plays” stance ahead of Lions.

After missing the last five games due to a high ankle sprain, J.J. McCarthy is set to return for the Vikings and make the third start of his career against the Lions this week. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus and has been out for an extended period once again this season, but is finally ready to play on Sunday.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (right ankle sprain) took all of the first-team reps in Wednesday's practice and said he's "ready to go" for Sunday's game at the Lions.

McCarthy has been out with an ankle injury since Week 2, but was a full participant in the team’s first practice session of the week. After the workout, McCarthy said he feels confident that he’s ready to get back in action.

J.J. McCarthy was a full participant in Wednesday's Vikings practice for the first time since he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2. He's fully set to return to action in Week 9 vs. the Lions.

This is why "decision day" around the NFL will go down to the wire. Entering Week 9, 13 teams have recorded at least five wins this season -- the third-most through Week 8 since 1970. There's a lot of parity in the league, as is evidenced by how the playoff races are panning out throughout the divisions.

It's been a while since we've seen J.J. McCarthy start for the Vikings. Here's what we know about his status entering Week 9.

Former Michigan stars Aidan Hutchinson and J.J. McCarthy will soon share a field for the first time since 2021, but this time on different teams.

Leading up to the Week 7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, McCarthy returned to practice for the first time as a limited participant and remained limited through Week 8. However, on Wednesday, ahead of the Vikings’ matchup with the Lions, McCarthy was finally listed as a full participant in practice.