Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Yannick Peterhans/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

J.J. McCarthy's latest injury raises more concerns about durability

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 8:33 AM ET

Minnesota Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy can't stay healthy.

In Sunday's road game against the New York Giants, McCarthy fumbled after Giants linebacker Brian Burns crushed him. Safety Tyler Nubin scooped the ball up and scored a 27-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 13-10.

After the jarring hit, McCarthy appeared to be in significant pain. Fox cameras spotted him grimacing when the team's training staff checked his right hand on the sideline. Shortly after, the Vikings ruled the QB out. Rookie QB Max Brosmer, an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota, replaced him.

It's yet another issue for McCarthy, who's becoming an injury-prone QB.

#Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy was in significant pain when trainers checked his hand after this play. Headed off the field early. Could be Max Brosmer time again for Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/smfQiWlvLF
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 21, 2025

Why Vikings should be worried about J.J. McCarthy's injuries

McCarthy missed his rookie season because of a meniscus tear in his right knee. His injury problems have carried over into this season. The former Michigan star has missed six games because of a concussion and ankle issues.

The latest injury only raises questions about his durability, which is concerning for Minnesota. The Vikings are clearly banking on him becoming a franchise QB after they took him with pick No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Pair his fragility with his poor play, and it appears things may not pan out for the Vikings. Through his first eight starts this season, McCarthy went 4-4 and had tossed the same number of interceptions and touchdown passes (11). He had also posted a 34.3 QBR, well below the league average.

Before exiting against the Giants, he completed 9-of-14 passes for 108 yards and one interception. Minnesota's offensive line issues haven't helped matters. Per Pro Football Reference, McCarthy was pressured on 26.6 percent of his dropbacks through his first eight starts, the third-highest mark in the league. The Vikings should clearly prioritize improving the unit this offseason. McCarthy, meanwhile, should implement an injury-prevention plan as part of his routine. He needs one.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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