J.J. McCarthy Tamed the Panic on Thursday
A sudden hand injury for J.J. McCarthy captivated a Minnesota Vikings audience on Wednesday, but by Thursday, the 22-year-old passer practiced fully, alleviating any panic about his Week 11 availability.
J.J. McCarthy calmed the nerves on Thursday, practicing in full and putting to rest the latest round of panic about his health.
McCarthy will be under center this Sunday when his team takes on the Chicago Bears. The hand bruise is merely a footnote.
J.J. McCarthy Practiced in Full on Thursday
Wednesday’s concern turned out to be a nothingburger.
McCarthy a Full Go Three Days before Vikings-Bears
McCarthy is back, although he never really left.
NBC Sports’ Myles Simmons wrote Thursday, three days before Vikings-Bears, “There is some positive news on the injury front for the Vikings. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday’s practice after he was limited on Wednesday.”
“McCarthy is dealing with a minor injury to his right hand after hitting it on a helmet late in the loss to the Ravens. In his four games this season, McCarthy has completed 53.7 percent of his passes for 692 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also rushed for 110 yards with two TDs.”
If any suspense had emerged from McCarthy’s hand situation, a DNP (did not practice) or limited designation would have been the verdict. Instead, McCarthy practiced fully, paving the way for him to start as planned.
A Bruised Hand from the Ravens Game
McCarthy delivered a pass last Sunday — one of 42 — against the Ravens, smacking his hand on a defender’s helmet. He told reporters this week that it was not an excuse for past or future performance and that football players are warriors who play through such ailments.
The same man missed all of his rookie season with a torn meniscus and five games this year with a high ankle sprain. Any McCarthy-related injury in the short-term future will be greeted with raised eyebrows, as purple fans want to ensure they don’t have a fragile competitor on their hands. McCarthy is the one big hope for the future, at least in 2025.
Ultimately, McCarthy’s hand ailment appears to be a “routine” NFL bump; this is how it goes, especially over two months into the regular season.
Vikings Need 4 Quarters from McCarthy
McCarthy’s performance to date as the team’s QB1? Honey and smoke.
The passer has delivered crucial, game-winning moments in division games against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, guiding his team to victory with big-time throws. In other circumstances, like most of his Week 2 outing against the Atlanta Falcons and the second half of last weekend’s game versus the Baltimore Ravens, McCarthy has sailed throws and looked herky-jerky in the pocket.
His team has a playoff-contending roster, and for Minnesota to rally from a 4-5 record after nine games, it needs a productive McCarthy from start to finish on Sundays.
Every throw is studied under a microscope, and he needs consistently accurate dimes, especially in the 4th Quarter.
Justin Jefferson Motivated, Too
Also on Thursday, Vikings WR1 Justin Jefferson told reporters that he was ready to return to a previous Offensive Player of the Year version of himself.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted, “Really interesting media session today with Justin Jefferson. Said he wants to get back to his ‘savage’ and ‘f-it’ mode. Admitted his frustration on Sunday and addressed not chasing players who intercepted passes. More to come.”
Jefferson also posted a photo and caption on Instagram of his legendary catch against the Buffalo Bills — three years ago today — saying he wanted to get back to that type of ball.
Minnesota will need “savage mode” Jefferson this weekend and beyond if it hopes to fix a 4-5 record and flirt with a postseason spot.
PPTSD on McCarthy
Our Janik Eckardt noted on McCarthy after the Thursday development, “Barring any change, McCarthy is good to go for Sunday’s rematch with the Chicago Bears. His NFL debut was in Chicago, and after needing some time to find his groove, he delivered one of the best fourth quarters Vikings fans could’ve asked for.”
“The young passer registered two touchdowns with his arm and added a third with his legs en route to a comeback win. Certainly, the Bears want to get back at the Vikings for stealing the opener, and they are coming to Minnesota red hot with a 6-1 record over their last seven.”
Most young quarterbacks truly come into their own around 250-300 dropbacks, and McCarthy is just over 100. His long-term profile should come into focus next month.
Eckardt added, “The 22-year-old needs a strong showing after metaphorically falling apart last Sunday in the matchup against Lamar Jackson’s Ravens. In that game, he showcased his mobility and playmaking ability early, but his accuracy seemed to drop as the game went on. McCarthy has been a tough player to evaluate early in his career.”
“His numbers are similar to those of QBs who have earned a bust designation. Conversely, he has shown all the tools a franchise quarterback needs, but lacks consistency. His next step undoubtedly needs to be to play an entire game at a respectable level rather than showing glimpses of excellence and long stretches filled with issues.”
Despite owning a 6-3 record, besting the Vikings’ current 4-5 standing, Chicago is forecasted to lose to Minnesota by three or four points, according to oddsmakers.
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