Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss another game.
Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday that McCarthy suffered a small hairline fracture in his throwing hand and will miss Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions. The QB could play the Week 18 finale against the Green Bay Packers.
"He does have a very, very small hairline fracture that was discovered in his hand," O'Connell said of McCarthy. "We are not expecting to have him this week. I do not think this is anything that will require surgery. Recovery's kind of similar to a bone bruise."
Max Brosmer will make his second start of the season.
The 7-8 Vikings have gone 5-4 in games McCarthy has started this season. The second-year quarterback has completed 57.3 percent of his passes for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
McCarthy has flashed upside in a turbulent season but can't stay on the field. The 2024 No. 10 overall pick missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury and missed previous games this season due to an ankle sprain and a concussion.
The Vikings have won three consecutive games ahead of two NFC North matchups to finish the season. O'Connell has supported McCarthy throughout his injury-plagued campaign, but heading into the offseason, the quarterback position will be under the spotlight in Minnesota. At the very least, the Vikings need legitimate competition and insurance if McCarthy's injuries persist.
"I've been really, really happy and proud of the way J.J., through the final stanza of the season here, was really, really took some big steps and grown," O'Connell said. "It's been a blast being with him every day and being along that ride with him, although we've lost time. … That doesn't take away from the growth we've seen from J.J. He's dialed in. He was out here for the walk-throughs and wants to stay 100% locked and loaded in the hopes of returning next week, hopefully. But obviously, we're going to be smart with him and see where it takes us."
