Story by
Report: JJ McCarthy Did Actually Break His Hand
- Story by
- Report: JJ McCarthy Did Actually Break His Hand
Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Last weekend the Minnesota Vikings won an ugly looking contest against the New York Giants . J.J. McCarthy didn't finish the contest after suffering what looked like a bad hand injury. Max Brosmer took over and led Minnesota down the field for the game-winning drive.
Details on McCarthy's injury were murky on Monday with players not being in the building. Kevin O'Connell suggested that initial x-rays were negative . The second set didn't go as well.
#JJMcCarthy @Vikings
Play where he may have injured right hand
Worry for metacarpal fracture
Ruled OUT pic.twitter.com/E16JxblGc5Related Headlines
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) December 21, 2025
MN Vikings lose JJ McCarthy to broken hand
When McCarthy was shown on the sidelines the starting quarterback winced in agony after his hand was touched. That typically reflects some sort of a break. How the initial x-rays didn't catch that remains a mystery, but additional imaging revealed a hairline fracture.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy underwent further imaging that showed a hairline fracture in his throwing hand, coach Kevin O'Connell said. He's out Thursday against the Lions. pic.twitter.com/f1rOh6byV1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 23, 2025
As someone who has experienced a similar hairline fracture, and reliving that wince seeing McCarthy do so, it would be shocking to see him play the rest of the year. Of course the Vikings have unlimited resources and are dealing with a professional athlete. However, McCarthy has now played in just 27% of his games since being drafted.
Kevin O'Connell said there's a chance J.J. McCarthy could play against the Packers in the season finale. The fracture was "similar to a bone bruise," O'Connell said. Vikings did further imaging beyond an X-ray and MRI to determine the hairline fracture.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 2025
Apparently head coach Keivn O'Connell is not yet ready to rule out his quarterback for the Week 17 finale against Green Bay . Although Minnesota is just 7-8 with nothing to play for, it appears getting McCarthy one more start could be the decision.
Advertisement
If McCarthy is done for the season, he'll finish playing in parts of just nine games. He threw for 1,450 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on only a 57.3 completion percentage. To say it was underwhelming would be putting it lightly.
This offseason the Minnesota Vikings will have serious questions at the quarterback position. That's not what they envisioned when using a first round pick on McCarthy just two years ago.
Ryan Kelly on the mend for Minnesota Vikings
Beyond losing J.J. McCarthy, the MN Vikings also saw Ryan Kelly exit with his third concussion of the season. He spent time on injured reserve earlier this year , and he won't play on Thursday against the Detroit Lions .
Ryan Kelly won't play on Thursday, Kevin O'Connell said. Jordan Mason is "still feeling it" after his ankle injury on Sunday, but O'Connell wasn't ready to roll him out for Thursday.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 2025
Kelly has worn a Guardian Cap since suffering his latest concussion. That didn't stop him from having another one, and his future has to be a consideration now. Kelly is just 32 years old and has at least six documented concussions in the pros. While under contract next year for Minnesota , he may need to hang up his cleats.
Advertisement
O'Connell also provided an update on running back Jordan Mason. The power back left Week 16 and was unable to return. If he remains out on Thursday, it will be Aaron Jones , Zavier Scott , and the potential return of Ty Chandler .
Related Headlines
