The Minnesota Vikings lost QB J.J. McCarthy to a hand injury right before halftime against the New York Giants.
This is the fifth documented injury for McCarthy in the 10.5 games that he has appeared in in his career.
Medical Experts Were Worried About a Fracture for the Vikings QB
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball while being hit by Brian Burns #0 of the New York Giants in the second quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Our own Anne Erickson had initial coverage on the McCarthy injury. Erickson brought up some insight from a couple of medical experts on X.
“Sports medicine physician Jesse Morse, M.D. had a small update on McCarthy at halftime, simply noting, ‘J.J. McCarthy ‘Nine’ He has been ruled out with a right throwing hand injury. Will provide an update when we have more details.’
‘The worry for Vikings J.J. McCarthy is a right metacarpal fracture,’ added the Pro Football Doc on X. ‘If that is the case, it would mean surgery and the end of his season.’”
Thankfully, the Vikings avoided a major injury with McCarthy. Fears were that McCarthy may have had to get shut down for the season, but that may no longer be the case.
Vikings Get Good News Regarding J.J. McCarthy Injury
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball while being hit by Brian Burns #0 of the New York Giants in the second quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Consider this report from Ben Goessling:
“J.J. McCarthy had his right hand in a fingerless glove in the locker room. The #Vikings QB will have further testing tomorrow, a source said, but he appears to have avoided a broken bone.“
It remains unclear if the second-year signal caller will make the start on Christmas at home against the Detroit Lions.
Minnesota’s Main Inspiration for Playing Out Season is Now Up in the Air
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: Max Brosmer #12 and head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings talk in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The main goal for the Vikings after their elimination from playoff contention was simple; make sure J.J. McCarthy is good enough to roll forward with in 2026.
Now, another injury to the kid makes that question harder to answer. While McCarthy’s play did improve significantly over the last 2.5 games, his durability has now become the main point of concern.
It already was, seeing as McCarthy has only appeared in 10 out of a possible 35 total games to this point due to various injuries. While he has avoided major injury for now, it is understandable to question his ability to stay on the field, because he hasn’t proven he can in any way, shape, or form.
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