Kevin O’Connell provides critical update on QB J.J. McCarthy ahead of Week 18 vs. Green Bay Packers

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is dealing with a broken throwing hand, and his status for Sunday’s game is in doubt.

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

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided an update on starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s broken throwing hand on Monday during his press conference.

“J.J. McCarthy is progressing,” said O’Connell. “Swelling in that hand has come down a little bit, and really it’s just going to be about working through it this week and seeing what his grip strength is like. If he can possibly give it a go this week, that will be something I’ll keep you guys posted on.”

J.J. McCarthy’s status in doubt for Sunday’s game vs. Packers

McCarthy’s playing status on Sunday is up in the air with a broken bone in his right hand. It’s a delicate situation the Vikings are dealing with, as the injury could worsen if he plays.

O’Connell talked like they weren’t worried about McCarthy hurting his hand more, but more about the grip strength on the football.

“Where he’s at right now, he might be able to progress to, you know, begin some light work. We’re going to practice Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, this week, with a little bit extra time coming off of a Thursday game,” said O’Connell. “Making sure we can get them, at least comfortable enough to maybe get some work and absorb some of the game plan. And then as we get into Thursday and Friday, what does that look like?

“It’s not quite like it was early in the year, where you were very aware of what that week where he had the baby felt like, or coming off the ankle, getting him some work to prepare him to come back and play well, which he did versus Detroit, coming off that time sitting down. So it’ll just be purely, you know, about that grip strength and where we can get him to turn over with that.”

The Vikings need McCarthy to play Sunday, not so they can win against the Packers, but to get more information about what he is as an NFL starting quarterback. With just nine starts across two years, it’s tough to know for sure whether he is the Vikings’ future. It’s a tough situation for the Vikings, as they are in win-now mode outside of the quarterback position.

If he does play, his performance could be just what the Vikings need to make their decision. If he doesn’t, it could still give them the info they need in the other direction.

Related Articles