What are the Minnesota Vikings talking about this week ahead of their matchup in Detroit Sunday against the Lions at Ford Field?

1. Minnesota gets quarterback J.J. McCarthy back this week. The former University of Michigan Wolverine hasn't played since Week 2 because of a high-ankle sprain.

"J.J. (McCarthy) is in a good spot," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said this week on his weekly radio appearance in Minnesota. "Had some really good work (Monday) and he should get a full week of preparation in here and finally feels like he's truly ready to go be himself."

The Vikings lost backup quarterback Carson Wentz to a season-ending shoulder injury last week. The only other quarterbacks currently on the roster are undrafted rookie Max Brosmer out of Minnesota and veteran John Wolford (practice squad).

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown enters the game tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions with seven, six of which have come in Detroit's three home games this season. He has six-plus catches and 65-plus receiving yards in each of his eight career games vs. Minnesota, with 100-plus receiving yards and a touchdown catch in three of his past four vs. Minnesota.

"Amon-Ra is as consistent and impactful a receiver as there really is in the NFL," O'Connell said. "He can do it inside, outside, man or zone."

3. Veteran running back Aaron Jones said this week he's confident the run game will start clicking for the Vikings. Jones is back after missing a month due to injury. Minnesota has the third lowest rushing yards in the NFL and is averaging just 93.7 yards on the ground per game.

"We're going to get it going," Jones told vikings.com. "We have everything we need here. We just have to put it together and worry about the execution."

Detroit enters Sunday's contest with the fourth best rushing defense in the NFL (87.7).

4. Linebacker Eric Wilson said Minnesota's identity on defense is to play hard and physical and play together. They are hoping to get back to that Sunday after giving up 37 points and 419 yards of offense in a loss to the Chargers last week.

Wilson said the big emphasis this week from defensive coordinator Brian Flores was getting back to the execution of some of the simple things on defense like tackling, defeating blocks and making plays when they come your way. Wilson said the defense expects to be much better in that regard Sunday in Detroit.

5. O'Connell said his defense knows they must be ready for anything and everything when they play a Lions' offense, whether it's the double passes, reverses, etc. O'Connell also talked about the unique ways the Lions try to get Jameson Williams the football.

"They have the type of weaponry that they don't need to dip into that (trick play) arsenal very often but they do still have the capabilities," he said.

6. The Vikings are looking to go 2-0 in the NFC North Sunday but know they have their work cut out for them. Minnesota has three division games in their next four contests.

"Have to compete like crazy in a really talented division and a tough place to go play," O'Connell said Wednesday. "Dan Campbell is one of the best head coaches in the NFL getting his team ready to play. It's going to be a challenge."