JJ McCarthy was injured again this past weekend. In his short career, he has become more synonymous with them than a competent quarterback. After initially undergoing X-rays, it was discovered Tuesday that he had a fracture in his throwing hand. Max Brosmer will start against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, and that could be the end.
With McCarthy sidelined again, Minnesota may be approaching its breaking point and Max Brosmer is ready to step in during a critical period of the season.
The Minnesota Vikings signed Brett Rypien back to the practice squad on Tuesday and have veteran John Wolford ready to back up Max Brosmer on Christmas Day. Apparently, McCarthy may have suffered his final break of the season, which would bring an unceremonious end to an otherwise ugly season.
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The McCarthy problem isn’t going away
Despite being drafted No. 10 overall in 2024, the Vikings have played in just 27 percent of McCarthy’s potential games as a pro. He’s been hurting and he’s been bad. It’s an ugly recipe that creates serious problems this offseason. Assuming his season is actually over, now there’s finally a story about 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 photo 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 win against the New York Giants, but his metrics are entirely his own. The Minnesota youngster completed 57.3 percent of his passes for just 1,450 yards and an 11/12 touchdown/score ratio.
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More problematic than the statistic itself was the fact that McCarthy never developed a level of chemistry with star receiver Justin Jefferson. He constantly scans his own head, and there are few moments that serve as data points that suggest things might have been better if given time to percolate.
August 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a short pass during warmups before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie first-round selection caught the attention of cameras and commentators, with NFL Network discussing his status and timing before kickoff and continuing discussions surrounding his development throughout August. Mandatory photo credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Minnesota almost certainly won’t enter next season with McCarthy as the unquestioned starter. An experienced back-up person is a must, but more logically it makes sense to have someone ready to step in as an immediate leader. McCarthy, Brosmer and Carson Wentz have all played for Kevin O’Connell this season. The only guy who showed any signs of ability was the guy who joined the team just days before the season started.
If McCarthy wants to write his own obituary in the NFL, at least in the short term, he’s done a great job this season. With constant injuries and consistent ineffectiveness, it’s hard to believe he should be anywhere near a roster that wants to compete.
