Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback JJ McCarthy has been sidelined for most of the 2025 season, and he may be out once again after suffering an injury during Week 16 against the New York Giants. He had been showing a lot of signs that he had been improving his game, only to get injured again and probably miss the Week 17 showdown against the Detroit Lions.
Now, the Vikings are already out of playoff contention, but the Lions are fighting for their lives right now. This means that Minnesota might not risk its top quarterback now that it is playing for nothing. So, the question is, will JJ McCarthy play?
What Happened To JJ McCarthy?
JJ McCarthy suffered an injury in his right hand, which is in his throwing arm, during the Week 16 game against the New York Giants. Further tests have revealed that he has suffered a small hairline fracture in that hand. This is a very small fracture, but it is still considered to be serious.
Will JJ McCarthy Play on Week 17 vs. the Detroit Lions?
While the hairline fracture is considered to be small, it is enough for the team to announce that he will not be playing on Christmas Day. This was confirmed by the official NFL X account:
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in right hand, won’t play on Christmas vs. Lions; Max Brosmer to start. pic.twitter.com/82tQz2dYQH
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2025
While McCarthy had a slow start as the Vikings’ starter, he had been slowly improving and adjusting to NFL-level opponents as the season went along. With the Vikings now out of the playoffs and McCarthy fracturing his hand, he is possibly out for the season already.
JJ McCarthy Fantasy Outlook
With the Vikings now out of playoff contention and JJ McCarthy possibly out of the season already, it should be safe to drop the quarterback and pick up another. Replacing McCarthy will be backup QB Max Brosmer, who has only played against the New York Giants so far this year. He completed 77.8 per cent of his passes during that Week 16 game, and it remains to be seen how he will be able to play in a full game.
Is Jordan Love Playing Today? All We Know About Packers Star’s Return After Preseason Injury
Who Are Colston Loveland’s Parents? The Family Behind the New Chicago Bears TE
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
