Minnesota Vikings make roster moves directly tied to injuries on offense, including J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings won’t have J.J. McCarthy on Thursday afternoon, so they claimed Brett Rypien on waivers.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws the ball during a game against New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA
Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have a need at quarterback with J.J. McCarthy set to miss Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions with a broken hand. They addressed that need by claiming Brett Rypien off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts.

Minnesota Vikings claim Brett Rypien off waivers

The Vikings needed to add someone at the quarterback position. Initial thoughts were that it could be Desmond Ridder, who has been with the team twice this season with other quarterback injuries, but Rypien was on waivers, and he spent the entire 2024 season with the team.

He can come in and not have to worry about learning the playbook. The Vikings likely won’t have to play him on Thursday, but the comfort level in the offense and the personnel is a smart move because he can be an asset to Max Brosmer during the week, on Thursday, and beyond.

RB Ty Chandler added to the active roster from injured reserve

After spending nearly the entirety of the 21-day practice window still on injured reserve, the Vikings activated running back Ty Chandler from injured reserve. He has been on injured reserve for the majority of the season after suffering a knee injury late in the Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears.

Chandler has been a standout special teams player for the Vikings over his four-year career. He has yet to emerge as a contributor on offense, but he’s good on multiple special teams units for the Vikings, including as a kick returner.

It’s important that Chandler is set to return due to the injuries the Vikings have at the position currently. Both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason suffered ankle injuries against the Giants, with the former having returned to the game and the latter did not. Jones being limited in practice is a good thing for his status on Thursday, and having Chandler healthy enough to play will be great for their depth.

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