Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has encountered another setback in his professional career, as he will miss the Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions due to a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the injury following an MRI, further complicating McCarthy’s position within the team’s long-term plans.
In McCarthy’s absence, rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer is set to take the helm. Brosmer’s initial start was challenging; he threw four interceptions in a 26-0 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks. This performance raises questions about the Vikings’ quarterback situation and McCarthy’s future with the team.
The injury marks another frustrating chapter in McCarthy’s young career. Among the 35 quarterbacks who debuted since 2020 with at least nine career starts, only Tyler Huntley and Anthony Richardson have recorded fewer passing yards than McCarthy’s current total of 1,450 yards. His completion rate stands at a mere 57.3 percent, and he has the third-worst passer rating of 71.2. Furthermore, McCarthy leads the league in interceptions with 12, creating a direct parallel to other high-profile quarterback struggles, including Zach Wilson and Kenny Pickett.
As the Vikings sit at 7-8, the pressure on McCarthy intensifies. He has been inactive for 24 of his first 33 games, having missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury and several games this year because of various setbacks. This includes a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games and a concussion that kept him out following a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
When on the field, McCarthy’s performance has raised eyebrows. He has thrown an interception in all but one game, with a concerning interception rate of 5.5 percent, higher than that of Tua Tagovailoa, who is tied for the most interceptions this season. With a 2026 NFL Draft class that appears weak in quarterback talent, the Vikings, currently holding the No. 15 pick, may struggle to find a suitable replacement if they choose to move on from McCarthy.
The looming question for the Vikings is whether McCarthy will enter next season as the starter or face competition from a potential free-agent acquisition. His inability to demonstrate consistent growth raises doubts about his viability as a franchise quarterback. With one fewer opportunity to showcase his skills, McCarthy faces a critical juncture in his career, and the organization must consider its options moving forward.
