Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a hand injury in the team’s 16-13 victory over the New York Giants. How much time is McCarthy expected to miss?
J.J. McCarthy Injury
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an update on J.J. McCarthy. pic.twitter.com/2FXFA9HgrP
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025
When the Vikings face the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, McCarthy will not be under center.
Coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Tuesday that McCarthy will be sidelined for Thursday’s game due to a hairline fracture in his right hand. Max Brosmer will start in McCarthy’s place.
“He does have a very, very small hairline fracture that was discovered in his hand,” O’Connell said of McCarthy via the Vikings’ social media. “We are not expecting to have him this week. I do not think this is anything that will require surgery. Recovery’s kind of similar to a bone bruise.”
The Vikings are unsure when exactly McCarthy suffered the fracture. The second-year quarterback exited the game in the first half and did not return.
McCarthy finished 9 of 14 for 108 yards and one interception. McCarthy also rushed for 20 yards and one touchdown.
In relief of McCarthy, Brosmer went 7 of 9 for 52 yards.
The Vikings have been eliminated from playoff contention with a 7-8 record. With only two games remaining, the Vikings could elect to shut McCarthy down for the rest of the season.
It’s been a tumultuous first season as the starter for McCarthy. McCarthy has thrown for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 57.3% completion rate. The Vikings are 5-4 in McCarthy’s nine starts.
McCarthy’s bigger issue has been staying on the field. The former Michigan quarterback missed all of 2024 with a knee injury. After Thursday, McCarthy will have missed seven games due to injury. Besides the hand injury, McCarthy sprained his ankle and suffered a concussion.
Vikings’ QB Decision in 2026
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on preparing Max Brosmer for Thursday's game. pic.twitter.com/TTi1EYASDo
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025
After a 14-3 regular season in 2024, the Vikings let Sam Darnold sign with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. Instead of signing Darnold, the Vikings went all-in on McCarthy.
Seattle is 12-3 with a legitimate shot to win the No. 1 seed, while Minnesota cannot qualify for the postseason.
Hindsight is 20-20, but the decision to play McCarthy instead of signing Darnold looks foolish.
In McCarthy’s defense, he has only started nine games in two seasons. He needs more time to develop. However, the Vikings have an excellent roster that can compete with the top teams in the NFC. Quarterback play has let them down this season.
Because the Vikings used a first-round pick on McCarthy, they will likely roll into 2026 with him as the starter. However, do not be surprised if the Vikings bring in a capable veteran to compete with him for the job.
The Vikings face the Lions in the second game of Netflix’s doubleheader on Christmas Day.
