Vikings star Justin Jefferson looked dejected on the sideline in a loss to the Chargers, leading to fan concern about his future.

Jefferson aggressively tossed his helmet onto its perch. Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown approached him in an attempt at consolation, but Jefferson stood alone then simmered by himself as he walked toward the locker room. It was halftime at SoFi Stadium. The tipping point had been reached.

With quarterback J.J. McCarthyexpected to be ready for a “full week” of practice ahead of a potential return Nov. 2 at the Detroit Lions, coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday that the reeling Vikings (3-4) may also have both starting tackles.

The Vikings' 37-10 loss to the Chargers on Thursday night was one of the ugliest performances of the Kevin O'Connell era, which is now almost halfway through its fourth season. But does it rise all the way to the top of that list?

The Minnesota Vikings were all-in on developing quarterback J.J. McCarthy this season, after his rookie year was lost to injury, with the belief they could insulate him from some of the natural struggles of inexperience by surrounding him with a stacked veteran team and a savvy coaching staff.

On Thursday Night Football Aaron Jones returned to action for the Minnesota Vikings. He spent four weeks on injured reserve and made head coach Kevin O’Connell lean heavily on trade acquisition Jordan Mason.

Stellar” is how Coach Jim Harbaugh described the quarterback, who threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns in Thursday night’s 37-17 home win.

J.J. McCarthy is in position to return as the Minnesota Vikings’ starter next week in Detroit against the Lions. McCarthy has missed five games with a high ankle sprain. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday morning that he “feels positive” about where McCarthy is from a health standpoint.