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Credit: Yannick Peterhans \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Yannick Peterhans \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
The Minnesota Vikings are down to their final game<\/a> 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<\/a> squad.<\/p>\n Matt LaFleur has already named his starting quarterback<\/a>. Kevin O\u2019Connell has been keeping his options open,<\/a> but J.J. McCarthy got a significant boost<\/a> in practice on Thursday.<\/p>\n Return to the Vikings lineup possible for JJ McCarthy<\/p>\n J.J. McCarthy is dealing with a broken hand<\/a>, and it cost him the start on Christmas against the Detroit Lions<\/a>. With virtually nothing to play for, it\u2019s curious as to why the Minnesota Vikings would risk further injury for him. However, if he\u2019s progressed to a state of availability, then more data points for evaluation would be a good thing.<\/p>\n Thursday’s #Vikings<\/a> injury report pic.twitter.com\/QAgldPHcqr<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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<\/a>, and the result would either push him to 6-4, or an even 5-5 to start his career.<\/p>\n 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\u2019Connell has clearly been frustrated<\/a> as he has had to rework simple fundamentals<\/a> for the former Michigan product.<\/p>\n It seems pretty clear the Vikings can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n The 53 yards for @JJettas2<\/a> are important, but we’re just focused on that first snap. pic.twitter.com\/l7L2syXn36<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 31, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n 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<\/a> in a single game.<\/p>\n Vikings injury report highlights other developments<\/p>\n For the second-straight day rookie tight end Gavin Bartholomew was a full participant. It appears he\u2019ll make his NFL debut on Sunday, and that\u2019s timely with T.J. Hockenson remaining out.<\/p>\n Although Jordan Mason returned to full participation, and he was out for the Lions game<\/a>, Aaron Jones logged a second-straight did not participate. The MN Vikings signed former Raiders starter Sincere McCormick<\/a> to their practice squad, and he could be elevated to provide depth.<\/p>\n If rookie return man Myles Price continues to be unavailable, it\u2019s logical that Week 1 kick returner Ty Chandler<\/a> would get first crack to take over his duties.<\/p>\n The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers kick off on Sunday at 12pm CT. It will be the 131st iteration<\/a> of the rivalry, and Green Bay leads the all-time tally 67-60-3.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: aaron jones<\/a> Gavin Bartholomew<\/a> J.J. McCarthy<\/a> <\/p>\n More About: Minnesota Vikings<\/a><\/p>\n Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google. \t\t\t![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/google_preferred_source_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
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