J.J. McCarthy is cleared to start the Minnesota Vikings’ season finale against the Green Bay Packers after recovering from a hairline fracture in his throwing hand — a return that comes after a season defined by injuries and inconsistency.
After sitting out Week 17 with a hairline fracture in his throwing hand, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will start Sunday’s season finale against the Green Bay Packers. The decision follows his full participation in team practices on Thursday and Friday, which head coach Kevin O’Connell praised as a sign of readiness.
“He did a great job this week,” O’Connell told reporters. The coach’s endorsement signals a confidence in McCarthy’s physical and mental recovery, even as the quarterback’s season has been defined by setbacks and fluctuating performance.
Sunday’s game will mark McCarthy’s 10th start during a roller-coaster debut season that has included three injuries — a high ankle sprain, a concussion protocol stint, and now the hand fracture — alongside a wide range of outcomes on the field.
McCarthy’s statistical profile this season reads as a mixed bag: a 5-4 record in his starts, a 57.3% completion rate, 1,450 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He has also been sacked 27 times, and his 71.2 pass-efficiency rating ranks next-to-last among the 41 NFL quarterbacks who have started at least four games this season — a mark worse than only Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders’ 68.5.
Yet, there’s a silver lining. The Vikings have won McCarthy’s last three starts — including a standout 16-of-23 passing performance for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 31-0 victory over the Washington Commanders on Dec. 7. That win showcased his ability to rally the offense under pressure, a trait that could be critical against a Packers defense that has been one of the league’s most formidable.
However, McCarthy’s prior start before that win was a cautionary tale — a 23-6 loss to Green Bay on Nov. 23, where he threw for just 87 yards and 2 interceptions while taking five sacks. That game underscored the inconsistency that has plagued his season, and the Packers’ defense remains a daunting test.
McCarthy’s injury history has been a recurring storyline. He suffered the hairline fracture in his right hand during the Vikings’ 16-13 road win against the New York Giants on Dec. 21. His absence during the first half of the season was due to a high ankle sprain, and he was sidelined for Week 13 while in the concussion protocol — a pattern that has raised questions about his durability and long-term viability as a starting quarterback.
The decision to start McCarthy against the Packers is not just about his current health — it’s about the Vikings’ need for a spark in their final game. With a playoff berth out of reach, the team’s focus shifts to future development and building a foundation for the next season. McCarthy’s performance in this game will be a litmus test for his readiness to handle the pressure of a high-stakes matchup, and it may also influence his role moving forward.
For fans, the narrative is clear: McCarthy’s journey has been one of resilience, but also of frustration. His ability to lead the Vikings to victory in his most recent starts offers hope, but the questions remain — can he sustain that level of play? Can he avoid the turnovers and sacks that have plagued him? And most importantly, can he prove himself worthy of the starting role beyond this season?
McCarthy’s performance against the Packers will be closely watched not just for his individual stats, but for what it says about the future of the Vikings’ offense. If he can deliver a strong showing, it may signal a turning point in his development. If not, it may be a reminder of the challenges he still faces.
For now, the focus is on Sunday. The Vikings will be looking for a win to close the season on a high note, and McCarthy’s return is a critical piece of that puzzle. His ability to execute under pressure will be the key to unlocking that potential.
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