Packers Name Starting QB vs. Vikings

If there were any questions about how little the Green Bay Packers care about the Week 18 results against the Minnesota Vikings, they erased them on Thursday. Matt LaFleur had already indicated that the NFC’s No. 7 seed would rest their starters, and the quarterback decision confirmed it.

Both Jordan Love and Malik Willis have dealt with injuries this season. Love missed last week with a concussion and, despite beign cleared to return, will not play in the finale. Instead, LaFleur is dipping deep into the depth chart and starting Clayton Tune.

Clayton Tune to Start for Green Bay Against MN Vikings

Despite attempting just four passes this season and owning only 27 career attempts, Clayton Tune will make the second start of his NFL career. The former Houston Cougars quarterback is being elevated from the practice squad to lead Green Bay on Sunday.

Jordan Love has cleared concussion protocol, but coach Matt LaFleur said Clayton Tune will start the regular season finale on Sunday at Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/Fe9yik0sSn

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 1, 2026

A fifth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, Tune has appeared in 14 games but has yet to throw a touchdown pass at the NFL level. He has been intercepted three times, including earlier this season when he briefly stepped in the Green Bay against the Baltimore Ravens.

It’s unrealistic to expect Tune to perform at a high level, especially against Minnesota’s starting defensive unit. That could force Green Bay to lean on its backup situation, which isn’t entirely straightforward either.

The Packers signed former Atlanta Falcons starter Desmond Ridder on Wednesday. Ridder hasn’t appeared in a game this season, but he has spent some time on the Vikings practice squad twice, giving him some familiarity with Minnesota. Even if he doesn’t see the field, that insight could be valuable on the sideline.

Where do the Minnesota Vikings turn?

J.J. McCarthy continues to recover from a fracture in his throwing hand. Max Brosmer has been mediocre in limited opportunities, and Carson Wentz is out for the season. Kevin O’Connell has indicated that all options remain on the table, including John Wolford.

It makes little sense to play McCarthy at anything less than full strength. Even when healthy, his performance has been underwhelming. In nine games this season, the presumed starter has completed just 57.3% of his passes with an 11-to-12 TD/INT ratio.

McCarthy practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, a trend that is expected to continue throughout the week. Brosmer appears to have the inside track for the start, but the final decision won’t be known until O’Connell makes it official.