Vikings Won't Rush McCarthy, Wentz to Start Next Two Games Overseas

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not be rushed back from a sprained ankle, leaving veteran Carson Wentz the likely starter for the next two games as the team prepares to play overseas. McCarthy has removed his walking boot and will travel with the team to Dublin and London, but O'Connell stressed the quarterback must be fully healthy, mobile and able to practice completely before being considered to resume the job.

O'Connell repeatedly declined to set a firm timetable, saying McCarthy must regain the mobility that is one of his greatest strengths and complete the necessary practice reps. "First and foremost, he's got to get healthy," the coach said. "And then, I don't think it's one of those things where it's, hey, he's healthy the night before a game, we're going to throw him out there and say, 'Hey, go figure it out type of thing.'" He added that the team will not cut corners on the developmental work required to play the position at a high level, referencing the long process of practice and repetition.

Wentz stepped in during last week's 48-10 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals and produced the offense's most efficient...