Vikings Head Coach Opens the Door for J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed his team’s Week 17 win over the Detroit Lions with a hairline hand fracture, casting his Week 18 availability into doubt. Now, according to his head coach, Kevin O’Connell, McCarthy could return to play against the Green Bay Packers to close out the season.
O’Connell left McCarthy’s availability in limbo, keeping Minnesota’s Week 18 quarterback plan fluid and forcing the Brosmer contingency back into focus.
It’s certainly not a foregone conclusion that the 22-year-old will play, but O’Connell cracked the door open just enough for intrigue.
McCarthy’s Week 18 Status Still Has Breathing Room
McCarthy may be under center after all to end the season.
O’Connell on McCarthy’s Week 18 Outlook
It’s all about whether McCarthy can grip the football.
O’Connell told reporters on Monday, “Swelling in that hand has come down a little bit. Really, it’s just gonna be about working through it this week and seeing what his grip strength is like and if he can possibly give it a go this week. That will be something I’ll keep you guys posted on.”
“It’s just going to be a matter of purely having the grip on the football and getting that to a place where he can potentially go out there and throw it. I’d love to get him one more game.”
McCarthy smashed his hand on a New York Giants’ defender’s helmet eight days ago, ruling him out for the rest of that game and preventing him from action against Detroit. Notably, Minnesota did not place him on injured reserve last week, and the world now knows why. He could play in Week 18; it’s a real possibility.
Reps Desperately Needed
In an alternate universe, the Vikings would shut down McCarthy because the meeting against the Packers means absolutely nothing. It will feel like a preseason game.
But here’s the deal: McCarthy needs live game action. Sadly, he needs basic reps, even if they feel like a preseason allotment. The man has been a part of the NFL for two years, and in an eligible 33 games, McCarthy has started just nine. Yes, the guy has missed 73% of all Vikings games since being drafted.
Whether it’s the coldest game ever in Buffalo, a rainy showdown in San Francisco, or a regular old contest at U.S. Bank Stadium, McCarthy requires playing time for his personal growth and to prove to the Vikings’ brass if he’s worth the QB1 investment for 2026 and beyond.
Sitting on the bench does nothing for McCarthy at this stage of his young career. He had a year of that in 2024.
The Anemic Max Brosmer Experience as an Alternative
Of course, if McCarthy does not play, fans will watch the third start of Brosmer’s career. The first two were terrible — like avert-your-eyes awful.
He posted a 5.0 QBR at Seattle last month, his first career start and the Vikings’ first shutout on offense in 18 years. And on Christmas, Brosmer “improved” to a 9.0 QBR, which is still pitiful.
Brosmer recently gave a self-assessment through two NFL starts: “Lots of learning. NFL football is hard; people say it a lot. NFL football is fun, too … My favorite part is the process. The people around the team and around the facility, that’s what makes playing for the Vikings fun.”
“To have earned those opportunities and have the guys in the huddle in full support throughout the ups and the downs of our team’s success … it’s a blessing, and I’m grateful for it.”
The alternative to McCarthy and Brosmer is veteran John Wolford, but Minnesota would gain nothing by playing a journeyman QB3-QB4 who won’t be with the team in 2026.
It’s McCarthy or Brosmer, with all eyes fixated on Justin Jefferson’s streak. Jefferson needs 53 receiving yards to keep his consecutive season 1,000-yard streak alive.
Unfortunately, while that number is rather easy for Jefferson to reach, McCarthy or Brosmer throwing him the ball may make it a challenge. Neither player has built rapport with Jefferson.
Decision by Friday
McCarthy’s status will be a storyline throughout the week. O’Connell merely scripted the first chapter on Monday, providing hope that the young passer might show up under center.
In all likelihood, McCarthy will practice in a limited capacity by Thursday, setting up a Friday verdict of Questionable or Doubtful. The Vikings may also carry the mystery into the weekend, and in those situations, the powers that be of NFL reporting usually hint at a verdict on Saturday afternoon.
Some want to see McCarthy play hell or high water because down the road, if he’s the real deal as a franchise quarterback, he will have to play through such injuries as his current one, especially late in the regular season or in the playoffs.
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