Minnesota Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell confirms J.J. McCarthy’s status for season finale against Green Bay Packers

J.J. McCarthy has been named the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings’ season finale vs. Green Bay Packers.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) speaks with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Friday afternoon that J.J. McCarthy will be the starting quarterback going into Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. He missed the Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions with a broken hand.

“J.J. McCarthy will start the football game,” said O’Connell on Friday afternoon. “He did a great job this week. Had as close to a full practice week with a few reps on Wednesday he didn’t take. But, for the last couple of days, he’s in a good spot going into the game.”

J.J. McCarthy to start on Sunday vs. Green Bay Packers

McCarthy starting on Sunday may seem odd, but the Vikings don’t have enough information on their young quarterback. Going into Sunday, McCarthy has started nine of a possible 34 regular season and playoff games, missing a whopping 73.5% of potential starts. It’s been a tough road for McCarthy and the Vikings with Sunday being his 10th start.

Playing two weeks removed from a broken hand feels like a poor idea, but it’s about gathering information and playing him isn’t expected to put him at risk with his hand injury. The biggest thing was his ability to grip the football, and O’Connell saw that this week.

“I think I mentioned to you guys Tuesday, he was able to get a throwing workout in with the training staff, and he felt great, and felt like he can get in,” said O’Connell. “And we still wanted to be smart on Wednesday, so we didn’t have him take every possible rep. But before it was all said and done, he did quite a bit on Wednesday, and then was able to go Thursday and Friday in full, and threw the ball well. So, we’re excited to see him play on Sunday. It’s going to be his 10th start. Has gained some experience and gets an opportunity to lead the team on Sunday, which is important.”

McCarthy being the long-term starter for the Vikings is still uncertain, and playing on Sunday will help the Vikings gather information to make that difficult decision.

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