JJ McCarthy Upgraded in Latest MN Vikings Practice

The Minnesota Vikings are down to their final game of the 2025 NFL regular season. Sitting at 8-8, they can finish above .500 with a win over a watered-down Green Bay Packers squad.

Matt LaFleur has already named his starting quarterback. Kevin O’Connell, meanwhile, has kept his plans close to the vest, but J.J. McCarthy received a notable boost during Thursday’s practice.

Return to the Vikings Lineup Possible for J.J. McCarthy

McCarthy has been dealing with a broken hand, an injury that cost him the start on Christmas against the Detroit Lions. With little at stake in Week 18, it’s fair to question whether the Vikings would risk further injury. Still, if McCarthy has progressed enough to be available, additional live reps could provide valuable evaluation data.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/QAgldPHcqr

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 1, 2026

After logging a limited practice on Wednesday, McCarthy followed it up with a full participant designation on Thursday to open the new year. If he starts Sunday, it would be his 10th start of the season. A win would push his record to 6-4; a loss would even it 5-5 to begin his career.

The results so far have been a mixed bag. McCarthy has completed 57.3% of his passes and owns an 11/12 TD/INT ratio. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has shown visible frustration at times, frequently revisiting basic fundamentals with the former Michigan quarterback.

It’s becoming increasingly clear the Vikings can’t enter next season without legitimate competition at quarterback. McCarthy has struggled to consistently maximize superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, leaving Jefferson just 53 yards short of the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

The 53 yards for @JJettas2 are important, but we're just focused on that first snap. pic.twitter.com/l7L2syXn36

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 31, 2025

No matter who is under center, getting Jefferson to that milestone should be a priority. McCarthy has reached that yardage threshold with Jefferson only once in a single game this season.

Vikings Injury Report Highlights Other Developments

For the second straight day, rookie tight end Gavin Bartholomew was a full participant in practice. With T.J. Hockenson still sidelined, Bartholomew appears poised to make his NFL debut on Sunday.

Running back Jordan Mason returned to full participation after missing the Lions game, but Aaron Jones logged a second consecutive “did not participate.” In response, the Vikings signed former Raiders starter Sincere McCormick to their practice squad, and he could be elevated to provide additional depth.

If rookie return man Myles Price remains unavailable, Week 1 kick returner Ty Chandler is the logical candidate to assume those duties.

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers kick off on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT. It will mark the 131st meeting of the rivalry, with Green Bay holding a 67-60-3 all-time advantage.