Getty
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 23: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after throwing an interception during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 23, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings gained some newfound love for their 2024 first round pick, quarterback JJ McCarthy, after witnessing what some argue was the team’s worst offensive performance of all time in Week 13, with backup Max Brosmer at the helm.
McCarthy has struggled, without question, but he is also still recovering from the tail-end effects of the meniscus tear he suffered last pre-season, which ruled him out for the entirety of his rookie season. And he has, of course, just six professional starts under his belt.
Having suffered a concussion against the Packers in Week 12, and been subsequently ruled out for Week 13, there was optimism that McCarthy would return for Week 14’s game hosting the Washington Commanders in Minneapolis.
McCarthy practiced fully on both Wednesday and Thursday, and two days prior to kick-off, he is officially off the injury report and ready to go for the weekend.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion) and RB Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) are both off the injury report and good to go Sunday. https://t.co/Wb3yh7Z0Vi
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 5, 2025
Vikings Offensive Starting Pair Cleared For Week 14
“Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion) and RB Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) are both off the injury report and good to go Sunday.” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote.
As Pelissero writes, running back Aaron Jones will also once again be present on the team.
There was initial concern at points over the course of the week that Jones would not be able to play on Sunday, having come out mid-way through Week 13’s drubbing against the Seahawks with a shoulder injury.
Indeed Jones was only limited in practice in both of the week’s practices – however like McCarthy – he is off the report and set to once again take up the role as lead back in the Vikings’ offense.
More to follow…
Daniel Arwas Daniel Arwas is a sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com. Daniel began his career in sports writing in 2022 and has covered the NFL and college football for Gridiron Heroics and The Hammer. More about Daniel Arwas
More Heavy on Vikings
Loading more stories