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Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to start the season’s concluding game on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, as confirmed by coach Kevin O’Connell on Friday, following his recovery from a hairline fracture in his right hand.
McCarthy missed the Vikings’ game on Christmas Day versus the Detroit Lions, however, he showed good performance in a throwing session on Tuesday with medical staff and participated in the majority of Wednesday’s practice. He was a complete participant during both Thursday and Friday practices and will provide the Vikings with one final evaluation of him before the offseason begins.
«He threw the ball effectively,» coach Kevin O’Connell noted. «So we are eager to see him play on Sunday. It will be his 10th start. He has gained some experience and will have the chance to lead the team on Sunday, which is crucial.»
Although McCarthy had one of the poorest six-game starts to an NFL quarterback’s career in the last decade, he has improved in his previous three games. His QBR of 69.8 during that timeframe ranked him 9th in the NFL.
However, right before halftime in Week 16 against the New York Giants, McCarthy lost the ball while attempting to throw a screen pass. Tyler Nubin of the Giants recovered the ball and took it back 27 yards for a touchdown. Once on the sideline, McCarthy informed the team’s medical staff that he was unable to grip the ball.
The Vikings took him out of the game, which they managed to win 16-13, and additional examinations discovered what O’Connell described as a «very, very small» hairline fracture. McCarthy could not definitively say when the injury occurred, stating earlier this week that it «was just a collection of things» that developed over the season.
Previously, in Week 10, McCarthy had sustained what the Vikings termed a bruised hand. This injury limited his participation in one practice but did not prevent him from playing in any games.
An analysis of the game footage revealed that McCarthy struck his hand against the helmet of Giants defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris after a throw with 2 minutes and 57 seconds remaining in the second quarter. He was able to complete a short pass on the subsequent play and then rushed for a 12-yard touchdown shortly thereafter.
He commenced the Vikings’ next possession by handing the ball off to running back Aaron Jones, yet on second down, he lost control of the ball while trying to execute a screen pass.
McCarthy expressed that «there was a lot of adrenaline» prior to the touchdown run but that he sensed the hand «immediately upon reaching the sideline.» He referred to the entire experience as «a valuable learning lesson for me to manage that situation much better in the future.» Rookie Max Brosmer took the lead for the Vikings’ 23-10 win against the Lions.
