JJ McCarthy injury update: Kevin O’Connell reveals brutal diagnosis for Vikings QB

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy has a hairline fracture on his throwing hand, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Tuesday. He is out for the Christmas Day home game against the Detroit Lions.

With McCarthy sidelined, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will make his second start of the season. Brosmer, the former Minnesota Gophers standout, started the Week 13 road game against the Seattle Seahawks. Brosmer completed 19-of-30 passes for 126 yards and four interceptions as the Vikings were blanked 26-0. He’ll get another shot in two days against a desperate Lions team.

As for McCarthy, it’s yet another injury setback in an NFL career full of them. McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign after undergoing knee surgery for an injury he picked up in the preseason. He has played in just nine games this season, missing time with three different injuries.

McCarthy suffered the hand injury just before halftime of Sunday’s Week 16 win over the New York Giants. As he was throwing, McCarthy’s hand made contact with a Giants defensive player’s helmet. Brosmer was an efficient 7-of-9 for 52 yards coming in relief for McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy picks up another injury, return TBD

The Vikings (7-8) have gone 5-4 with McCarthy under center. McCarthy has thrown for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 57.3% passing. He’s rushed for 174 yards and four score on the ground.

“It’s a bummer just because I’m having a blast coaching him,” O’Connell said. “And seeing the growth of a young player getting the opportunity to actually go out there and grow and develop. And I’ve been so proud of the way, really these last few weeks, he’s come back and just really shown some growth.

“So, you’d love to have him. Love to have him for two straight home games to finish [the season] and we’ll see where his hand’s at, and if he has the ability to play for us again. I sure hope so.”