Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy may be nearing a return (again) this Sunday.
The young signal caller suffered a hand injury in Week 16 against the New York Giants right before halftime. This kept him out for the rest of that contest and led him to be inactive on Christmas Day against the Lions in Week 17.
The Vikings are closing their final season out at home against the Green Bay Packers, whom have clinched a playoff spot. The Packers can’t move up or down in seeding. Therefore, it is a possibility that head coach Matt Lafleur rests a lot of starters.
It is also worth noting that QB Jordan Love (concussion protocol) has been limited in practice this week. The case for Malik Willis (shoulder) is the same.
Vikings Get Good News on Availability of QB J.J. McCarthy
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown with Jalen Nailor #1 against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The first update comes from ESPN‘s Kevin Seifert via X.
“J.J. McCarthy (hand) had a “really positive” throwing session Tuesday with Vikings medical staff and will participate in practice today, per Kevin O’Connell. Probably limited but making progress toward Sunday vs. Packers.”
Another report comes from Sports Illustrated‘s Will Ragatz:
“He got out there with the trainers yesterday and had a really positive throwing session, so he’s gonna take part in practice today,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “(We’ll) see how he feels coming out of it, see if there’s any restrictions or any issues before working into another day tomorrow. We’re at the point now, after his positive day yesterday, getting on the field today for practice, and we’ll see how it goes.”
This is a promising thing for Vikings fans everywhere. McCarthy has played rather well in his last three appearances. This is a far cry from how you can describe Max Brosmer’s appearances. The Vikings defeated the Lions in Week 17 despite only 51 passing yards in the contest.
Minnesota Looks to End Season on Ultra-Positive Note
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
After an abysmal 4-8 beginning to the 2025 season, the Vikings can finish the year with a winning record. They have strung together 4 straight victories over the last month, and can make it 5 on Sunday.
Ironically, this would make them one of the “hottest” teams in the NFL, pending results of other games in Week 18. Only the Texans (8), Jaguars (7), 49ers, and Seahawks (6) have current win-streaks longer than the Vikings. Of course, these are all playoff teams. Funnily enough, the Saints are also on a 4 game winning streak, though they are still only 6-10.
With a win on Sunday, the Vikings can ride into the offseason and beyond with some momentum. They would also improve to a 4-2 record in the NFC North, which would be tied with the best performance with the Green Bay Packers.
Vikings Get Promising Injury Updates Ahead of Packers Showdown