J.J. McCarthy tabbed to start Vikings' finale against Packers

Field Level Media
03 Jan 2026, 07:10 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

After sitting out Week 17 with a hairline fracture in his throwing hand, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will start Sunday's season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

McCarthy was a full participant in the Vikings' practices on Thursday and Friday, which inspired head coach Kevin O'Connell to give the thumbs-up.

'He did a great job this week,' O'Connell told reporters.

Sunday's game will mark McCarthy's 10th start during a roller-coaster debut season that has featured three injuries and a wide range of performances.

McCarthy has recorded a 5-4 record in his starts with a 57.3% completion rate, 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while being sacked 27 times. His 71.2 pass-efficiency rating ranks next-to-last among the 41 NFL quarterbacks who have started at least four games this season. Only Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders (68.5) rates worse.

The Vikings have won McCarthy's last three starts - highlighted by his 16-of-23 passing for 163 yards and 3 touchdown passes during Minnesota's 31-0 win over the Washington Commanders on Dec. 7.

In his start immediately prior to that win, however, McCarthy threw for just 87 yards and 2 interceptions while taking five sacks in a 23-6 loss Nov. 23 at Green Bay.

McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand during the Vikings' 16-13 road win against the New York Giants on Dec. 21. He missed five games during the first half of the season with a high ankle sprain. He sat out Week 13 while in the concussion protocol.

--Field Level Media

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