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Ted Schwerzler: Did J.J. McCarthy Suffer the Final Straw?
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- Ted Schwerzler: Did J.J. McCarthy Suffer the Final Straw?
Jeffrey Becker
Last weekend, J.J. McCarthy suffered yet another injury. He has become more synonymous with them than competent quarterback play during his brief professional career. After initially being cleared by X-rays, it was revealed on Tuesday that he has suffered a fracture in his throwing hand. Max Brosmer is going to start on Thursday against the Detroit Lions , and that may be the end.
With McCarthy sidelined again, Minnesota may be nearing a breaking point as Max Brosmer prepares to step in during a critical stretch of the season.
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The Minnesota Vikings signed Brett Rypien back to the practice squad on Tuesday, and they have veteran John Wolford ready to back up Max Brosmer on Christmas Day. It certainly appears as though McCarthy may have suffered his final break of the season, and that would put an unceremonious end to an otherwise ugly season.
The McCarthy Question Isn't Going Away
Despite being drafted 10th overall in 2024, the Vikings have seen McCarthy for just 27% of the potential games he was eligible to play in as a pro. He has been consistently hurt and also consistently bad. It's an ugly recipe that brings serious questions for this offseason. Assuming that his season is in fact over, there's now finally a tale of the tape.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
In parts of nine games for the Vikings this season, McCarthy owns a 5-4 record. He should credit Brosmer for the game-winning drive against the New York Giants , but his metrics are entirely his own. On 57.3% passing, the Minnesota youngster threw for just 1,450 yards with an 11/12 TD/INT ratio.
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More problematic than the statistical results alone, McCarthy never developed a level of chemistry with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson . He often looked in over his head, and few moments served as data points suggesting things could get better if given time to percolate.
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws short passes during warm-ups before the preseason meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie first-round selection drew attention from cameras and commentators as NFL Network discussed his status and timing ahead of kickoff, continuing the buzz around his development through August. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Minnesota can almost certainly not go into next season with McCarthy as the unquestioned starter. A veteran backup is a must, but more logically, someone ready to step in as the immediate leader makes sense. McCarthy, Brosmer, and Carson Wentz have all played for Kevin O'Connell this season. The only one who has shown any semblance of competency is the guy who joined the team just days before the season started.
If McCarthy wanted to write his own obituary in the NFL, at least in the near term, he did a great job of doing so this season. Constantly hurt and consistently ineffective, it's hard to sell that he should be anywhere close to a roster wanting to compete.
