J.J. McCarthy had made some progress in his development heading into last Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants. The second-year Minnesota Vikings quarterback had played his best two games of the season against the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys, scoring six touchdowns and throwing only one interception.
His first drive in New York was encouraging, as he completed 4-of-6 passes, narrowly missing a 25-yard touchdown pass that Jordan Addison dropped in the end zone. The rest of the first half was more inconsistent, as McCarthy finished 9-of-14 for 108 yards, an interception, and a rushing touchdown.
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Unfortunately, his day ended when he was strip-sacked for a touchdown right before halftime. He suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand and didn’t return.
It’s the third time McCarthy has been injured this season, prompting questions that go beyond his on-field performance. His inability to stay healthy makes his future that much more uncertain, says ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
[The] Vikings will have to take into account McCarthy’s struggles to stay on the field as they plan for 2026. His frenetic playing style sometimes leads to big plays, such as his 12-yard touchdown run Sunday. But it leaves him taking far too many hits, whether it be on opposing players’ helmets in the pocket or via open-field tackles outside of it.
Max Brosmer will start for the Vikings on Thursday against the Lions. It will be the seventh game McCarthy will have missed this season. That, more than any turnover or miscue, is the most glaring concern for the Vikings as they prepare to enter the 2026 offseason.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Questions still remain surrounding J.J. McCarthy after Week 16