McCarthy Starts: Packers vs Vikings Week 8

The quarterback recovered from a hand injury and O’Connel assures that he will play at the end of the season

EAGAN, Minn. — The quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, J.J. McCarthywill start the team’s final game of the season on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, as announced by the coach Kevin O’Connell on Friday, after successfully recovering from a crack in his right hand.

J.J. McCarthy he missed the game Vikings of Christmas Day against Detroit Lionsbut performed well in a throwing session Tuesday with the medical staff and then participated in most of Wednesday’s training. He participated fully on both Thursday and Friday and the Vikings will have one last chance to see him in action before the offseason begins.

“He threw the ball well,” said the coach. Kevin O’Connell. “So we’re excited to see him play on Sunday. It will be his 10th start. He’s gained experience and will have the opportunity to lead the team on Sunday, which is important.”

McCarthy has missed seven games in his first season as the team’s starter. Vikings due to three injuries: a severely sprained right ankle, a concussion and a broken hand. After one of the worst starts to a career for a quarterback in the NFL In the last ten years, McCarthy has performed better in his last three games. His 69.8 quarterback efficiency rating (QBR) during that period ranked ninth in the NFL.

But just before halftime in Week 16 against the New York GiantsMcCarthy fumbled the ball while attempting to throw a short pass. Tyler Nubin of the Giants he recovered the ball and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown. Upon reaching the sideline, McCarthy told the team’s medical staff that he couldn’t hold the ball.

Los Vikings He was removed from the match, which they won 16-13, and subsequent tests revealed what O’Connell described as a “very, very small” crack. McCarthy couldn’t pinpoint when the injury occurred, saying earlier this week that “it was a lot of things” that happened throughout the season.

J.J. McCarthy had already suffered what Vikings called a hand contusion in Week 10. The injury prevented him from fully participating in a workout, but did not force him to miss any games. A video review of the game showed McCarthy hit his hand on the Los Angeles defensive lineman’s helmet. Giants, Roy Robertson-Harrisafter a pass, with 2 minutes and 57 seconds left in the second quarter. McCarthy managed to complete a short pass on the next play, and then ran 12 yards for a touchdown.

He began the Vikings’ next possession by handing the ball to the running back. Aaron Jonesbut on the second play, he fumbled the ball while trying to throw a screen pass.

McCarthy said he felt “a lot of adrenaline” before the touchdown run, but felt the blow to his hand “immediately when he got to the sideline.” He called the entire incident “a great lesson in learning how to handle these types of situations better in the future.” The rookie Max Brosmer He was a starter in the victory of the Vikings 23-10 over the Lions.