Quarterback JJ McCarthy suffers a stress fracture in his throwing hand, which will keep him out of the Minnesota Vikings’ upcoming game against the Detroit Lions. Max Brosmer will therefore be the starting quarterback this week.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said after Tuesday’s practice that a closer examination of McCarthy’s right hand revealed a small fracture, while initial X-rays taken Sunday at the stadium revealed nothing. McCarthy was injured late in the second quarter against the New York Giants and was unable to properly grab the ball, forcing the Vikings to turn to Brosmer.
The Vikings will host the Lions on Thursday as part of the NFL’s Christmas tripleheader, and McCarthy didn’t have enough time to recover. O’Connell said his ability to play in the final game of the season against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 3 or 4 would simply depend on his ability to catch the ball
McCarthy has played in just 8.5 of a possible 33 NFL games since being selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft. A torn meniscus in his right knee kept him out for his entire rookie season, a severely sprained right ankle cost him five games this season and a concussion sidelined him for another matchup.
Brosmer replaced McCarthy on November 30, when the Vikings lost 26-0 to the Seattle Seahawks, after the undrafted rookie quarterback threw four interceptions.
Dave Campbell, The Associated Press
