EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are in wait-and-see mode at QB as they start their preparations for Sunday's 2025 regular-season finale against the Packers.
First-year starter J.J. McCarthy is "progressing" from a hairline fracture in his right, throwing hand, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday.
McCarthy left Minnesota's Week 16 game at the New York Giants after struggling to grip the football late in the second quarter. He did not play in Week 17.
"Swelling in that hand has come down a little bit," O'Connell said. "And really it's just going to be about working through it this week and seeing what his grip strength is like.
"I'd love to get him one more game, for sure," O'Connell added.
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If he returns, McCarthy will make his 10th career start.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer relieved McCarthy and was solid against the Giants, recording his first career game-winning drive. Brosmer made his second career start in Week 17 and notched his first victory after Minnesota completed a season sweep of Detroit.
O'Connell said the approach is to "see where J.J. is at, and then get Max ready to go," but also prepare veteran backups John Wolford and Brett Rypien in case they are needed.
The Vikings (8-8) are eliminated from postseason contention but are trying to close the campaign with a fifth consecutive victory.
The Packers (9-6-1) are the No. 7 seed in the NFC Playoffs, regardless of what happens at noon (CT) Sunday. Green Bay has lost its past three contests.
Minnesota will publish its first injury report of the week on Wednesday and announce player status designations Friday.
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