JJ McCarthy Shows Up to Vikings Practice with New Ailment

The Minnesota Vikings were back at practice on Wednesday in front of media for the first time this week, as they get ready for Sunday afternoon‘s interdivisional contest against the Chicago Bears.

It’s the battle of 2024 first round quarterbacks, as JJ McCarthy suits up for the second time this season against Caleb Williams. If the Vikings are going to steer their 2025 ship back in the right direction this weekend against Chicago, their redshirt rookie will have to play much better.

Minnesota Vikings QB has new injury

That shouldn’t be difficult, since he only completed 20-of-42 passes and threw two interceptions vs zero touchdowns. Of course, that was before he showed up to practice today wearing a bandage on his throwing hand.

According to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, McCarthy the bandage is there to protect an injury he sustained when he hit the helmet of a lineman throwing to Justin Jefferson in the endzone last weekend against the Ravens.

KOC went on to tell reporters that he doesn’t expect McCarthy’s new injury to affect his preparation this week. Of course, we’ve heard that before.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy will be wearing a bandage on his right hand this week in practice. Followed through on a throw, caught a lineman's helmet. KOC said he doesn't expect it to affect J.J.'s week of practice.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 12, 2025

Of all the minor injuries JJ McCarthy could have suffered going into the game, a cut on his right hand is at the top of my list for worst possible scenario. Unfortunately, we have no choice but to trust that O’Connell on the young quarterback’s status this week and weekend.

To make matters more concerning, JJ was seen throwing with his left hand at practice and held his right, newly injured hand, in his hoodie pocket during the entire interview he held with reporters this afternoon.

Related: MN Vikings Land New Cornerback

J.J. McCarthy, wearing padding on his bruised right hand, tossing left-handed today during warmups. If it’s a troll job, that’s pretty elite. pic.twitter.com/cLTOjcPGag

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 12, 2025

J.J. McCarthy did most of his presser with his hands in the hoodie pocket. He said he hit his right hand on a helmet on the incomplete throw to Justin Jefferson in the end zone in the third quarter. Said he definitely felt it but not an excuse for inaccurate passes. pic.twitter.com/6bYQOBTo5k

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 12, 2025

JJ McCarthy needs to turn things around vs Bears

If for some reason JJ McCarthy can’t go against the Chicago Bears, it would be former Gopher Max Brosmer under center in what is essentially a must-win game for the Minnesota Vikings if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive going into week 12.

So far this season, McCarthy has thrown for 692 yards on 53% passing for 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Not exactly the start to his NFL career that O’Connell and the Vikings offensive coaching staff were looking for when they made him the starter over multiple veteran options that are now succeeding elsewhere.

But against all odds, JJ McCarthy’s team needs him to take a step in his development Sunday at home vs the Bears. And a hand injury won’t stop the angry mob if he fails.