Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy leaves Week 18 game vs. Packers with apparent hand injury

The New York Times•January 4, 2026•sports

Key Points:

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy left the Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers early in the third quarter due to right hand issues, the same hand that caused him to miss the previous game.
McCarthy was replaced by rookie Max Brosmer and did not return, with the Vikings winning 16-3 to finish the season 9-8.
Coach Kevin O’Connell revealed McCarthy has a “very, very small hairline fracture” in his right hand but was allowed to play if he showed sufficient grip strength.
Despite early struggles, McCarthy showed improvement in accuracy and decisiveness in the latter half of the season, though his availability remains a concern.
The Vikings face uncertainty at