Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy left Sunday’s game early in the third quarter with what appeared to be a hand injury. Stephen Maturen / Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy exited Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers early in the third quarter. He was favoring his right hand, the same hand that caused him to miss last week’s game.
McCarthy was replaced by rookie Max Brosmer and did not return. The Vikings went on to win 16-3 to finish the season with a 9-8 record.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reported last week that McCarthy had a “very, very small hairline fracture” in his right hand. They deemed him capable enough to play in Week 18, as long as he showed enough grip strength. He clenched his hand a couple of times on Sunday but threw for 182 yards on 14-of-23 passing.
McCarthy completed an 8-yard pass to superstar receiver Justin Jefferson to start the second half, then immediately waved over at the trainers.
The franchise’s future at quarterback is murky. The Vikings drafted McCarthy to be the future of their franchise, but his lack of availability and poor early-season performance have raised plenty of questions. McCarthy’s accuracy and decisiveness improved during the second half of the season, but the organization’s decision-makers are entering their fifth season without a playoff win. At the very least, they’re going to be in the market for a more experienced backup QB over the next few months.
