The Minnesota Vikings have little to play for this Sunday except for pride and the ability to call what has been a very tumultuous 2025 a “winning season”. Something that; given the injury problems and enormous teething issues with second year pro, JJ McCarthy and rookie backup, Max Brosmer, would actually a remarkable achievement.
And, of course, the ability to get a win over division rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Despite leading the team to victory on Christmas Day, Brosmer managed just 51 yards passing en route to getting sacked a whopping 7 times, starting in lieu of McCarthy who was out with a hand injury.
That hand injury has him questionable for Week 18’s matchup against the Packers, and Kevin O’Connell gave an update on where he is at heading into game-week.
“Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says QB J.J. McCarthy “is progressing.” Said the swelling has come down. It’s going to be about evaluating grip strength, KOC said, to see if he can go Sunday vs. Green Bay.” Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported on Monday.
‘Grip Strength’ The Key Barometer For JJ McCarthy
“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.” O’Connell said during his media availability.
McCarthy has been dealing with injuries all season, and the hand issue is just yet another obstacle to overcome in what has been a turbulent start to his professional career.
With hand injuries, especially on the dominant hand, which in McCarthy’s case is his right, being able to grip the ball properly and without significant pain is always the number one focus, both in terms of being able to deliver a tight spiral and to maintain ball security.
Are The Vikings Likely To Risk McCarthy On Sunday?
Considering the lack of overarching importance to the game, it would be very surprising to see Kevin O’Connell push the boat out for the second year QB to play if he is not fully healthy and more-or-less healed.
Even minor pain in the hand is not really worth playing through for a player that perhaps should focus on recharging and setting his sights on making big things happen in 2026.
Especially as the Packers, who are guaranteed the #7 seed, but have no route to any other playoff seeding, are expected to rest their top players in the bout against Minnesota in preparation for their Wild Card game, which will be at either the Chicago Bears or the Philadelphia Eagles, who knocked Green Bay out of the postseason last year in the first round.
But, if McCarthy is healthy and ready to go, there would not be much reason to not start him and help him go for a morale-boosting victory against the Packers.
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