For Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, it has been a long, frustrating season. On Sunday, McCarthy dealt with more frustration in his team’s game against the New York Giants.
McCarthy was trying his best to lead the Vikings’ offense, but things took a turn for the worse.
What’s Happening With Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy?
As the Vikings-Giants game reached halftime, McCarthy was seen heading back to the Vikings’ locker room with team medical personnel. He has been ruled out of the rest of Sunday’s game with a hand injury, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
McCarthy was looked upon to be the next big quarterback for the Vikings. But it’s just been a season, at least this one, where he’s been just watching a lot of games from the sidelines.
Status alert: JJ McCarthy headed to locker room with trainers ahead of halftime Sunday.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) December 21, 2025
We’ll have to wait and see if McCarthy can return and play in the second half, though. The Vikings would like to get a victory on the road against the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart.
There has been a lot of criticism from a lot of NFL players about the turf at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants play their home games. It’s not sure at this moment if the turf played a role in McCarthy’s injured hand.
MORE: 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Before leaving Sunday’s game, McCarthy was 9-of-14 passing for 108 yards and one interception. According to the PFSN NFL QB Impact metrics, McCarthy has a 62.8 impact score and grades out to a D.
With McCarthy now gone for the day, the Vikings will have to turn to Max Brosmer to run the Minnesota offense. Brosmer has not been impressive when on the field, so Vikings fans might end up turning off their TV sets.
McCarthy came into the NFL with fanfare after playing at Michigan. Minnesota wanted to see him flourish in its offense, and he still has time to prove himself. When McCarthy was sidelined earlier this season, backup quarterback Carter Wentz took over. But Wentz suffered a season-ending injury, forcing the Vikings to make Brosmer their backup.
Minnesota currently leads New York 13-10 in the third quarter. The Vikings sure hope that Brosmer can deliver in the clutch. Brosmer will run the offense for the rest of the day.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.

