Total Pro Sports
The Minnesota Vikings enter their Christmas Day showdown against the Detroit Lions with major uncertainty surrounding their most important position. As preparations ramp up for one of the most anticipated games on the NFL calendar, all eyes are on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his status after a late-week injury concern surfaced.
With playoff implications looming and the Lions standing in the way, McCarthy’s status has become a central storyline in Minnesota.
McCarthy has a “very, very small hairline fracture” in his throwing arm and missed significant practice time throughout the week leading up to the Christmas Day game, one that ultimately forced the team to rule him out for Week 17. The quarterback was unable to pass a pregame practice test, forcing the Vikings to deactivate him.
The Vikings officially ruled J.J. McCarthy out for the Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions, which takes place on Christmas Day (December 25, 2025).
In his absence, Minnesota will turn to backup quarterback Max Brosmer to lead the offense.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in right hand, won't play on Christmas vs. Lions; Max Brosmer to start. pic.twitter.com/82tQz2dYQH
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2025
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has not sugar-coated the difficulty of losing his starting quarterback ahead of a crucial game. Moreover, he has also informed that he doesn’t think McCarthy would require surgery to treat his hairline fracture.
In addressing the media, O’Connell emphasized the importance of relying on team leadership and the need for a next-man-up mentality.
“Recovery is kind of similar to a bone bruise,” O’Connell said, and added, “He’s dialed in… He wants to stay 100 percent locked and loaded in the hopes of returning next week, hopefully. But obviously we’re gonna be smart with him and see where it takes it.”
Ruling J.J. McCarthy out for the Christmas Day game against the Lions is a significant blow for the Vikings. While the team has veteran options and experienced coaching, losing your starting quarterback at a pivotal point in the season introduces new challenges.
Q1. Is J.J. McCarthy playing vs. the Lions on Christmas Day?
A. No. McCarthy has been officially ruled out for Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.
Q2. Who will start at quarterback for the Vikings?
A. Young backup quarterback Max Brosmer will take over as the starter in McCarthy’s absence. It will be his second start for the Vikings.
Q3. What injury is McCarthy dealing with?
A. The specific injury hasn’t been publicly detailed, but it was enough to prevent full participation in practice and require him to be inactive for the game.
Q4. How does this impact the Vikings’ playoff hopes?
A. Losing McCarthy could challenge Minnesota’s ability to secure a favorable playoff position, making execution and...
