The Minnesota Vikings provided a positive update on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand during the game against the New York Giants on December 21.
Minnesota will close out the 2025 NFL season with a Week 18 home game against the Green Bay Packers as they attempt to end the campaign on a five-game win streak. Moreover, it would be ideal for McCarthy to play in the final game before the offseason.
On December 31, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared an update on McCarthy, noting that the Michigan product will participate in the New Year’s Eve practice session.
“He got out there with the trainers [on December 30] and had a really positive throwing session,” O’Connell told reporters. “So he’s going to take part in practice [on December 31], see how he feels coming out of it, see if there’s any restrictions, or any issues before working into another day tomorrow. But we’re at the point now, after his positive day [on December 30], getting on the field [on December 31] for practice, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Moreover, O’Connell shed light on the type of practice session that the young quarterback will have.
“I don’t know if he’ll take every single rep, but he’ll definitely take,” O’Connell added. “The plan, as of right now, is to give him as much as possible, just so we can determine where he’s at [on December 30].”
Vikings Appear to Be In the QB Market This Offseason
While it’s clear the Vikings want to be careful with McCarthy, it would be in their best interest to see him play against the Packers and perform well. Minnesota will likely be in the quarterback market this offseason, but what type of signal-caller they’ll pursue remains to be seen.
On the December 30 edition of “The Alec Lewis Show,” The Athletic’s Alec Lewis listed multiple quarterback options that the Vikings might consider, like Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers. Nonetheless, there’s another name from within the division, Packers’ Malik Willis.
“Kind of a newcomer, probably to list in Malik Willis, who has looked really, really good stepping in for Jordan Love in Green Bay. The system familiarity matters. He hasn’t thrown a ton over the middle of the field. So, that would definitely be something the Vikings would have to sift through. And then what is his contract going to look like?
“Like maybe Miami or Las Vegas or another team. Indianapolis even views Malik Willis as someone they want to make a sizable bet on. How far would the Vikings be willing to go? So that’s kind of the realm that these four names are in.”
Vikings Need to Improve Their Running Game
While the Vikings have to focus on the quarterback position, other areas also need attention. The running game also requires an upgrade this offseason, as the team is not on pace for a 1,000-yard rusher—Jordan Mason leads with 664 yards.
Moreover, with Aaron Jones Sr. being 31, the team will need to start thinking about a long-term replacement. One option is pursuing free agents. Lewis mentioned on his show that Javonte Williams, Travis Etienne, Kenneth Gainwell, Emmanuel Wilson, and Brian Robinson Jr. are potential targets if Minnesota chooses that route to strengthen the backfield.
“If you look at the free agent positions of this upcoming offseason, running back is one where there is a lot of depth and a lot of intriguing players there, “ Lewis added. “So, if that’s where the Vikings wanted to save money and spend money, it would be a sensible spot.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Vikings Reveal J.J. McCarthy Injury Update Before Packers Game appeared first on Heavy Sports.