Vikings Announce J.J. McCarthy News on Thursday

McCarthy was listed as a limited participant in Minnesota’s first practice session of the week on Wednesday. This was a step in the right direction for the rookie quarterback, who hoped to make his return against Green Bay.

On Thursday, the Vikings announced that McCarthy practiced in full. He was listed as a full participant in the injury report, further boosting his chances to come back on Sunday.

Vikings head coach Kevin Stefanski said before Wednesday’s practice that McCarthy had a “really positive” throwing session on Tuesday. Stefanski seemed optimistic about his young QB’s availability for the last game of the season.

McCarthy, who missed what should have been his first year last season due to a torn meniscus in his knee, has made up for lost time in 2025. In nine games played this season, the former 10th overall pick has produced 126-of-220 completed passes (57.3%) for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He’s also registered 35 carries for 174 yards and four rushing TDs.

The 8-8 Vikings have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, which means that Sunday will be a non-bearing game for them. The 9-6-1 Packers, on the other hand, have already locked in the No. 7 seed in the NFC, and the result of Sunday’s contest will no longer affect their standing heading into the postseason.