JJ McCarthy Draws Start Against Green Bay Packers

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J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday for their final contest of the season. At 8-8, a win against a watered down Matt LaFleur squad would give them a hollow winning season.

Earlier this week the Packers announced Clayton Tune would start at quarterback. They’re resting Jordan Love, who just cleared concussion protocol, ahead of the playoffs. The Vikings prepared multiple QB’s throughout the week, just in case. J.J. McCarthy continues to recover from his hand fracture, but it has healed enough for head coach Kevin O’Connell to name him the starter and best choice for this week.

Minnesota Vikings turn back to JJ McCarthy

J.J. McCarthy was clearly in a lot of pain after suffering a hairline fracture to his hand against the Giants. He then missed the Christmas Day contest against the Detroit Lions, but he’ll finish out the year under center for his 10th start of the season.

“It really started, I think I mentioned to you guys on Tuesday, he was able to get a throwing workout in with the training staff. He felt great and felt like he could get in. We still wanted to be smart Wednesday, so we didn’t have him take every possible rep, but before it was all said and done he did quite a bit on Wednesday. Then was able to go Thursday and Friday full and threw the ball well. Excited to see him play Sunday. It’s going to be his tenth start, has gained some experience, and gets an opportunity to lead the team on Sunday.”

Kevin O’Connell

Through his first nine career starts, McCarthy owns a 5-4 record. He is completing just 57.3% of his passes and has an 11/12 TD/INT ratio. Minnesota certainly expected more from the quarterback they traded up for in the first round to draft 10th overall.

With the Packers choosing not to play many of their starters, the Minnesota Vikings are now 9.5 point favorites. McCarthy really needs to show that he can play at a high level against a lackluster opponent, to instill confidence in everyone heading into 2026.

Another objective on Sunday for McCarthy is to get Justin Jefferson the 53 yards he needs to reach the 1,000 yard mark. The star wideout has surpassed that tally in each of his first five NFL seasons, and poor quarterback play is the only reason that he’s struggling to get there this year.

Final injury report leaves opportunity for MN Vikings

Injuries have been part of the story all season for the Minnesota Vikings. That isn’t changing for Week 18, as there’s multiple starters that will be out of action.

T.J. Hockenson was also injured in the New York game and hasn’t played since. That may have been his last game as a Viking, as he’s a prime cut candidate this offseason. Aaron Jones will also miss the final game of the season alongside kick returner Myles Price.

Jordan Mason was out last weekend but returns to action. It’s also possible that Dwight McGlothern goes with just a questionable designation.

It’s unfortunate that rookie Gavin Bartholomew won’t get into the final game. He has been out all season, and logged multiple full practices the last couple of weeks. His development into next year now remains a mystery.

Ultimately none of these injuries should impact the result against Green Bay, and O’Connell having the Minnesota Vikings ready to roll is a must.

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