Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy returns from a high-ankle sprain injury to play the Detroit Lions. Veteran Carson Wentz played in his absence until being placed on IR for a season-ending left shoulder injury last week. According to sources, McCarthy had troubling news ahead of the game concerning his family.

“McCarthy told me his infant son was sick this week. So, J.J. slept in a separate room in his old college bed. It made him think of all the nights he spent in that bed dreaming about moments like this. Big NFL game on the road and he is embracing the challenge,” Tom Pelissero said.

The game is set to take place at Ford Field Stadium, located in Detroit, Michigan. But for McCarthy, it brings nostalgia.

He spent the week balancing personal and professional tests. McCarthy chose to stay apart from his family for precaution, resting in his old college room. The setting reminded him of his early football years, the same space where his NFL ambitions first took shape.

McCarthy won a National Championship two years ago when he played for the Michigan Wolverines in the same stadium. During that game, McCarthy completed 16 of 20 passes for 148 yards and beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 30-24.

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After suffering an injury during the week 2 Atlanta Falcons loss in his first regular season, McCarthy looks to dominate the game. The young quarterback has completed over 58.5% of his passes this season with two touchdowns for 301 yards. Team officials and teammates noted his disciplined approach as the team’s signal-caller heading into a key NFC matchup and will rely on his offense during the game.

McCarthy returns against the Lions’ defense

The Minnesota Vikings enter 3-4 off a shaky stretch and need McCarthy to stabilize the offense. The Detroit Lions, on the other hand, sit 5-2 near the top of the division with momentum behind it.

McCarthy will use his best receivers extensively. Justin Jefferson leads the group with 602 receiving yards and 41 receptions. He is assisted by T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison. So far this season, Hockenson has contributed 222 yards, and Addison has added 309 yards. McCarthy can distribute targets and create mismatches against Detroit’s secondary with the help of this trio.

“McCarthy’s in a really good place from a health standpoint. And I believe in his talent and his ability to show up,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said.

Detroit’s defense ranks 8th in the league per Fox Sports. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson leads the team with 48 pressures so far, but the team has struggled in the red zone. They allowed 19 touchdowns and 61.4 % of opponents’ fourth-and-down runs. They also rank 22nd in the league for third-and-long situations, allowing 37.7 % conversions.

Minnesota can capitalize if McCarthy gets Jefferson matched up one-on-one, especially given Detroit’s tendency to bracket Jefferson and force McCarthy to trust his secondary options