Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has suffered another injury, continuing his troubling pattern of health issues in the NFL. During the game against the Giants, McCarthy sustained a hand injury after being strip-sacked by defensive end Brian Burns just before halftime. As a result, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game as the second half commenced.
This unfortunate incident marks only the ninth start of McCarthy’s professional career, and if the severity of his hand injury is as concerning as it appeared, he may miss the final two games of the season. This setback keeps him at just nine starts after two seasons in the league, raising concerns for the Vikings about his viability as their franchise quarterback.
With McCarthy sidelined, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has stepped in to lead the team. The Vikings are facing crucial decisions moving forward as they assess McCarthy, their first-round draft pick in 2024, and his potential to contribute as a cornerstone of the franchise. However, his limited playing time and inconsistent performance when healthy have made it difficult for the organization to gauge his future.
Adding to the team’s challenges, center Ryan Kelly has also been ruled out due to a concussion. This marks the sixth diagnosed concussion in Kelly’s career, prompting concern regarding his health and future participation.
In light of these developments, the Vikings face an uphill battle as they navigate the end of their season and consider their options at the quarterback position. Despite the challenges, there remains hope within the organization that both McCarthy and Kelly can recover and return to form in the coming seasons.