Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be under center against the Lions on Sunday, and his teammates voiced the same belief in him this week that they held back in August.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, right, shared a quick hug with center Blake Brandel before practice at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan on Friday. (Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson grinned and gave a wink as he spotted J.J. McCarthy walking off the indoor field behind a group of reporters gathered around him after Thursday’s session.

“There he is,” Hockenson said while McCarthy kept heading toward the locker room, smiling after finishing a second consecutive full practice.

McCarthy, the 22-year-old passer, is set to rejoin the Vikings’ lineup against Detroit on Sunday after missing five games with a high ankle sprain.

He was a full participant every day this week and wasn’t listed with any game designation on Friday’s injury report. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy looked “like himself” and came through each practice without ankle soreness.

During training camp leading up to his first start against the Bears on Sept. 8, veteran players praised McCarthy’s poise, leadership and control of the huddle.

He guided Minnesota to a comeback win in Chicago, but had a rough outing the next week versus Atlanta after an unusual week of prep, injuring his ankle in the game but staying on the field.

Nothing his teammates have said about him has shifted during his absence, a stretch in which 32-year-old Carson Wentz took over and went 2-3 as the starter.

“It’s always great having [McCarthy] in the huddle,” Hockenson said Thursday. “He brings energy and sets a standard. It’s fun having him out there taking every rep and running the offense. … We’re pumped to have him back.”

Hockenson was a frequent target for McCarthy in camp, and they hooked up four times for 27 yards combined in the games against the Bears and Falcons.

But the connection seen most often in August was between McCarthy and third-year receiver Jordan Addison.

Sunday marks the first time they’ll get to test that timing in a real game, since Addison missed McCarthy’s two starts while serving a suspension.

Addison trained with McCarthy as the quarterback eased back in during the bye, and the receiver said Friday that their friendship off the field has helped keep the timing sharp.

McCarthy, Addison, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen all stayed on the field talking after Friday’s practice.

“He’s got a pep in his step,” Addison said about McCarthy. “He’s moving, he’s flying around. He’s just hyped. You can always read it from someone’s energy. If they want to be out here. He wants to be out here. He feels good about this group.”

Jefferson added Thursday: “I think he has the confidence to go out there and do what we expect him to do. It’s all about bringing that energy and staying locked in one play at a time.”