EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to make a comeback as he will lead the team in its final game of the season against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced the decision on Friday, highlighting that McCarthy has sufficiently recovered from a hairline fracture in his right hand.
The young quarterback was sidelined during the Vikings’ Christmas Day matchup against the Detroit Lions due to the injury but showed promising signs of recovery. He demonstrated his readiness during a throwing session on Tuesday with medical staff and participated in most of the practice on Wednesday, ultimately being a full participant throughout Thursday and Friday sessions. This game will mark McCarthy’s 10th start, providing him an essential opportunity for further experience before the team heads into the offseason.
“He threw the ball well,” O’Connell remarked, expressing excitement about McCarthy’s performance during practice. After a challenging first half of the season, where McCarthy sustained multiple injuries—including a high ankle sprain and a concussion—he has improved significantly in recent games. Notably, his performance has seen a turnaround, boasting a QBR of 69.8, ranking him ninth in the NFL during this span.
However, McCarthy’s season hasn’t been without adversity. In Week 16 against the New York Giants, while attempting a screen pass, he fumbled the ball, which was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Tyler Nubin. Upon reaching the sidelines, it became clear to the medical team that McCarthy was struggling to grip the ball. Following additional evaluations, a “very, very small” hairline fracture was identified. McCarthy couldn’t identify a specific moment for the injury’s onset, attributing it to a buildup of challenges throughout the season.
Despite his injuries, McCarthy’s resilience shines through as he reflects on the season’s hardships. He mentioned that the adrenaline from his touchdown run masked some of his injury concerns, but he quickly recognized the impact when he reached the sidelines. Looking forward, he sees this experience as a valuable lesson for managing similar situations in the future.
As the Vikings prepare for their game against the Packers, McCarthy’s return not only brings hope for a triumphant season finale but also invaluable experience that could pave the way for his development as a starting quarterback in the NFL.