Latest news with #MinnesotaVikings
USA Today
14 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears' Ben Johnson gives timeline on Jaylon Johnson's potential return
The Chicago Bears are in the middle of training camp, but they've been without arguably their best player on defense in cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The two-time Pro Bowler suffered a leg injury while training ahead of camp, which was expected to leave him sidelined for several weeks. Before Thursday's practice, head coach Ben Johnson provided an update on Johnson's potential return. He noted that the target date for Johnson is Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, but it's also still early in his rehab process. "I think there is a scenario where he will be ready for Week 1, and that is really the target day," Johnson said. "I know he is working hard and diligently to get there for that and with those types of injuries that he's got, you just never know. You never know. It's still early in that process, but I know he's attacking that rehab really well." It's not the most encouraging update, considering Johnson was originally supposed to miss a "few weeks," which indicated he would be back at camp at some point. But this latest timeline means he could miss closer to two months and puts his status for the start of the regular season in jeopardy. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Fox News
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Back Vikings To Repeat Last Season's Success Behind J.J. McCarthy
When you're bullish on a specific NFL team heading into a season, it's a necessary exercise to check yourself and test the temperature. That doesn't mean sending a text message to the group chat with your high school friends who persuade you to drink the Kool-Aid every summer. Hell, if you bet the Chicago Bears "Over" the last 12 seasons, you'd be 1-11. You need people to shoot you straight. Heading into this year, I find myself a big ol' believer in the Minnesota Vikings. They have one of the best 53-man rosters in the NFL, and head coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores do an exceptional job at maximizing their talent with proper schematics and execution. Whenever I'm feeling extra purple around August, I shoot my thoughts over to Thor Nystrom, football analyst at Fantasy Life. He's a Vikings guy through and through, and he's plugged into people close to the organization. He's also a straight shooter. "They have a real good shot to be a top-three defense this year," Nystrom told me earlier this week. "Sportsbooks were way too low on [the Vikings] when they dropped the new numbers after the Super Bowl." As long as 22-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy isn't a massive downgrade from The Ghost of Sam Darnold, Minnesota should be more than fine. Nystrom studied how McCarthy handled high-leverage situations at Michigan and came away extremely impressed with the results. "The kid is a killer," Nystrom analyzed back in February 2024. "He's mobile and when he scrambles, he can throw on the run. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the nation under duress." Imagine the possibilities with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson behind a bolstered line with O'Connell calling plays. Hey now. Here are three bets I like for the 2025 Vikings. J.J. McCarthy Comeback Player of the Year (+1000 at DraftKings) We'll find out soon if McCarthy is ready for the next level. Odds are good he will be after winning a national championship, then spending a full calendar year learning O'Connell's offense. Dak Prescott and Aidan Hutchinson are co-favorites, but the path is there for McCarthy. If he returns from a meniscus tear and helps Minnesota reach 10 wins or more, he's a surefire contender. Jonathan Greenard Defensive Player of the Year (+10000 at BetMGM) If the Vikings are a top-five defense, one of their best players is worth a pop. The front office added Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave up front, which should make life much easier for Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel off the edge. Both players recorded double-digit sacks last year and I think it's downright disrespectful that multiple books are offering Greenard at this price. Make the playoffs (-105 at FanDuel) As stated above, I believe Minnesota boasts one of football's most talented rosters. Staying healthy is important, of course, but I expect success if the team isn't ravaged by injuries. O'Connell and Flores have all the tools to ensure the Vikings remain one of the best seven teams in the NFC. Sam Panayotovich is a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and the BetMGM Network. He previously worked for WGN Radio, NBC Sports and VSiN. Follow him on Twitter @spshoot. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Vikings Teammate Sends Clear Message on JJ McCarthy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Minnesota Vikings and quarterback J.J. McCarthy are heading into the 2025 NFL season facing major questions. After a 2024 season that saw the Vikings finish the year with a 14-3 record and be one of the best teams in the NFL, there are a lot of expectations. McCarthy, who will be heading into his first year as the starting quarterback, will have big shoes to fill. Last season, Sam Darnold was the starting quarterback in Minnesota. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while completing 66.2 percent of his pass attempts. J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo byMcCarthy missed all of his rookie season in 2024 due to a knee injury. He was unable to get on the field reps, which would have been valuable for him. Read more: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Hold Back About Mike Tomlin Despite that fact, the Vikings are full of confidence when it comes to McCarthy. Minnesota had an opportunity to pursue a one-year deal with Aaron Rodgers. It passed on that chance to stay loyal to McCarthy. What kind of player should the Vikings expect McCarthy to be? One of his teammates spoke out with a clear message about the second-year signal caller. During an interview on CBS, running back Aaron Jones opened up about McCarthy. "He has a strong arm, he's mobile, athletic... he's super athletic," Jones said. His last meaningful time on the field was with the Michigan Wolverines in college. McCarthy led that team to a national championship win under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh. He's hoping to bring those winnings ways with him to Minnesota. There is never an easy way to predict what a young quarterback will become in the NFL. McCarthy is a major question mark. Read more: Browns HC Gives Shedeur Sanders Training Camp Update On one hand, he could be the driving force that takes the Vikings to the Super Bowl. Perhaps he can put together a similar or even better season to the one that Darnold had last year. Or, he could end up struggling and Minnesota might take a big step in the wrong direction. Clearly, the Vikings are all-in on him. They believe in his ability and will get their first look at him when the 2025 NFL season kicks off. Hopefully, he'll be able to rise to the occasion and put to rest all of the questions that have been surrounding him. For more on the Minnesota Vikings and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Watch: Rams stars hilariously call key plays from 2024 season
The Los Angeles Rams had a lot of huge moments from the 2024 season. One of the biggest was Jared Verse's fumble recovery for a touchdown in the NFC Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings, which set the tone for the 27-9 win. So to relive that moment, ESPN LA gave a few Rams players the microphone to put their own spin on the broadcast. Verse himself had some funny comments about his own play, while others like Braden Fiske and Steve Avila also tried out commentating. Earlier this past season, running back Kyren Williams flipped into the endzone for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in a Week 3 win. Puka Nacua and Matthew Stafford had the chance to put on their announcer voice to remember that play, too. Take a watch: Subjectivity aside, Verse has a knack for the theatrics of the broadcast booth. His enthusiasm and excitement for the game oozed out of his voice, and he knows how to make the most of any moment with a microphone.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jefferson, Watt among 'most unlosable' NFL players
The Dan Patrick Show crew discuss which teams can't afford to lose certain players to an injury this year, highlighting Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt.
