In keeping with the song lyrics of the Christmas season, you know Bo Jackson, Gale Sayers and Teddy Bridgewater. But do you recall Greg Cook? Steve Emtman? Wendell Davis, Greg Childs? All are worth a Google. Very promising prospects with futures brighter than Rudolph’s nose. But the injury Grinch stole years and careers from them and fans. Which brings us to the J.J. McCarthy saga. Two years into a rookie contract with more games missed due to injury than Packers QBs Bart Starr (7), Brett Favre (0) and Aaron Rodgers (16). Combined. That’s over 40 Gold Jacket years. I am aware McCarthy’s injuries are unrelated, fluke, whatever. Availability. Period.
He’s got three years on that rookie contract. Use them all. But you don’t go into June 2026 with Sam Howell and Brett Rypien as the rest of your QB room. I don’t care how good a guy is in the meeting room, on the sideline, in the headphones, on the practice field. If he can’t play and win regular-season games, that backup spot needs a new name.
I’ll leave specific game bright spots and gloomy moments for someone else to list. There were plenty of each. The game was a win. But it feels like a loss. Another outstanding defensive and special teams performance overshadowed by injuries, penalties, pass drops (!!) and low offensive output.
Two more games with a short week upon us. Let’s play spoiler and console ourselves with the silver lining that if losses are coming, better draft position awaits.
— Jeff in Sacramento, California
Admittedly, I was not familiar with Cook, Emtman or Davis, but I had heard about Childs, even though he predated my time with the Vikings.
It’s a unique situation for McCarthy because the injuries are so varied. The torn meniscus that he suffered in the 2024 preseason is the type of injury that is a one-instance, long recovery situation, and I believe it delayed some of his career progression.
The high-ankle sprain, which again appeared to be a result of a hip-drop tackle, further delayed development. Concussion protocol also is differentiated, but it appears that McCarthy has been a little more cautious at the ends of runs.
I’m not quite sure why the Packers had the run of health at the QB position they enjoyed for so long, but I do remember how much complaining people heard when Rodgers missed most of in 2017.
As of right now, Minnesota’s QBs room has McCarthy, Brosmer and John Wolford (with Carson Wentz on Injured Reserve but participating in meetings). Wentz was on a one-year deal. I’m unsure if he has interest in returning to Minnesota, or if the team envisions that. I do believe experience level at the position will be part of the general assessment.
