JJ McCarthy suffered another injury over the weekend. In his short professional career, he has become more synonymous with them than competent quarterback play. After an initial X-ray examination on Tuesday, it was determined he had a fracture in his throwing arm. Max Brosmer will start Thursday against the Detroit Lions, and that could be the end of the game.
With McCarthy sidelined again, Minnesota may be close to a turning point as Max Brosmer prepares to step in for a crucial stretch of the season.
Minnesota Vikings signed Brett Rypien They return to the practice squad on Tuesday and have veteran John Woolford ready to back up Max Brosmer at Christmas. It certainly appears that McCarthy may have suffered his final layoff of the season, which would have brought an unceremonious end to a terrible season.
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McCarthy's question won't go away
Despite being the 10th overall pick in 2024, the Vikings only saw McCarthy in 27% of the potential games he was eligible to play in as a pro. He was constantly hurt and was also constantly ill. This is a terrible recipe that raises serious questions during the off-season. Assuming his season is indeed over, there is now finally a story to tell with the tape.
November 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
In nine games with the Vikings this season, McCarthy has a 5-4 record. He should give Brosmer credit for the game-winning performance against the New York Giants, but his numbers are entirely his own. On a 57.3% passing percentage, the Minnesota junior threw for just 1,450 yards with an 11/12 TD/INT ratio.
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More problematic than statistical results Alone, McCarthy never achieved this level of chemistry with the stars. wide receiver Justin Jefferson. He often looked over his head, and several points served as points to suggest that the situation might improve if given time to percolate.
August 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback JJ McCarthy (9) throws short passes during warmups before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Stadium. Bank.” The rookie first-round pick caught the attention of cameras and commentators as the NFL Network discussed his status and timing before kickoff, continuing the hype surrounding his development throughout August. Mandatory credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Minnesota almost certainly won't be able to enter next season with McCarthy as the undisputed starter. A veteran support person is a must, but more logically, someone who is willing to step in as an immediate leader makes sense. McCarthy, Brosmer and Carson Wentz played for Kevin O'Connell this season. The only one who showed any semblance of competence was the guy who joined the team just a few days before the start of the season.
If McCarthy wanted to write his own obituary for the NFL, at least in the near future, he did a great job this season. Constantly injured and constantly underperforming, it's hard to believe he should be anywhere close to a squad willing to compete.
