Credit: Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings are down to their final game of the 2025 NFL regular season. With an 8-8 record to this point, they could finish over .500 by knocking off a watered down Green Bay Packers squad.
Matt LaFleur has already named his starting quarterback. Kevin O’Connell has been keeping his options open, but J.J. McCarthy got a significant boost in practice on Thursday.
Return to the Vikings lineup possible for JJ McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy is dealing with a broken hand, and it cost him the start on Christmas against the Detroit Lions. With virtually nothing to play for, it’s curious as to why the Minnesota Vikings would risk further injury for him. However, if he’s progressed to a state of availability, then more data points for evaluation would be a good thing.
Thursday’s #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/QAgldPHcqr
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 1, 2026
After logging a limited practice on Wednesday, McCarthy responded by getting a full designation of open the new year. A start would be his 10th of the season, and the result would either push him to 6-4, or an even 5-5 to start his career.
McCarthy has been a mixed bag completing just 57.3% of his passes and owning an 11/12 TD/INT ratio. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has clearly been frustrated as he has had to rework simple fundamentals for the former Michigan product.
It seems pretty clear the Vikings can’t go into next season without bringing in competition for McCarthy. Under center, he has failed to use superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson more than anyone else, and that leaves the talented wideout 53 yards short of 1,000 on the season.
The 53 yards for @JJettas2 are important, but we’re just focused on that first snap. pic.twitter.com/l7L2syXn36
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 31, 2025
No matter who is under center, hitting the 1,000 yard milestone for Jefferson is a must. Only once this season has McCarthy connected with Jefferson for that many yards in a single game.
Vikings injury report highlights other developments
For the second-straight day rookie tight end Gavin Bartholomew was a full participant. It appears he’ll make his NFL debut on Sunday, and that’s timely with T.J. Hockenson remaining out.
Although Jordan Mason returned to full participation, and he was out for the Lions game, Aaron Jones logged a second-straight did not participate. The MN Vikings signed former Raiders starter Sincere McCormick to their practice squad, and he could be elevated to provide depth.
If rookie return man Myles Price continues to be unavailable, it’s logical that Week 1 kick returner Ty Chandler would get first crack to take over his duties.
The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers kick off on Sunday at 12pm CT. It will be the 131st iteration of the rivalry, and Green Bay leads the all-time tally 67-60-3.
Mentioned in this article: aaron jones Gavin Bartholomew J.J. McCarthy
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