Eagan, Minnesota. — Minnesota Vikings defender JJ McCarthy on Sunday will start the last game of the season against the team Green Bay Packerscoach Kevin O'Connell said Friday after recovering sufficiently from a broken right hand.
McCarthy missed the Vikings' Christmas Day game against the Vikings. Detroit Lionsbut he performed well in throwing training with medical staff on Tuesday and then took part in most of Wednesday's training. He was a full participant on both Thursday and Friday and will give the Vikings one last look at themselves before they enter the offseason.
“He threw the ball well,” coach Kevin O'Connell said. “So we're really excited to see him play on Sunday. This will be his 10th start. “He's gained some experience and he gets the opportunity to lead the team on Sunday, which is very important.”
McCarthy missed seven games in his first season as the Vikings' starter because of three injuries – a sprained right ankle, a concussion and a broken arm. After one of the worst six-game starts of his career for an NFL quarterback in the last decade, McCarthy had his best performance in his previous three games. His QBR of 69.8 over that period ranked 9th in the NFL.
But just before the break in week 16 against New York GiantsMcCarthy dropped the ball while attempting to pass over a screen. Giants Tyler Nubin picked up the ball and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown. Upon reaching the sideline, McCarthy told the team's medical staff that he could not hold the ball.
The Vikings ruled him out of the game, which they won 16–13, and further testing revealed what O'Connell called a “very, very small” fracture. McCarthy was unable to pinpoint when the injury occurred, saying earlier this week that “just a bunch of things” happened during the season.
McCarthy previously suffered what the Vikings said was a hand contusion in Week 10. The injury limited him to one practice but did not force him out of any games.
A review of the game film showed McCarthy hitting the Giants defensive lineman's helmet with his hand. Roy Robertson-Harris after a shot with 2 minutes 57 seconds left in the second quarter. McCarthy made a short completion on the next play and then ran 12 yards for a touchdown after that.
He opened up the Vikings' next possession with a pass to a defender. Aaron Jonesbut in the second minute he dropped the ball while trying to make a pass over a screen.
McCarthy said there was “a lot of adrenaline going on” leading up to that touchdown, but he felt the hand “immediately when he stepped onto the sideline.” He called the whole process “a great lesson that will help me deal with this situation better in the future.” Rookie Max Brosmer sparked the Vikings' 23-10 victory over the Lions.
