Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was ruled out of play after halftime Sunday against the New York Giants after suffering a right-hand injury late in the second quarter, yet another setback in an injury-filled season.
The injury occurred near the end of the first half when Giants edge rusher Brian Burns came off the edge unblocked and delivered a blindside hit to McCarthy’s throwing hand. The impact forced a fumble, which Giants safety Tyler Nubin recovered and returned for a touchdown, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 13-10 heading into the break. With McCarthy sidelined again, rookie Max Brosmer stepped in at quarterback. Brosmer has been called upon multiple times this season, including Week 13, when McCarthy was out with a concussion. The Vikings held on for a 16-13 win on the heels of McCarthy’s injury.
McCarthy immediately showed visible discomfort following the play and was evaluated by trainers on the sideline, where he was seen wincing in pain during tests on his hand. He exited to the locker room before halftime for further evaluation and was officially ruled out as the Vikings returned to the field for the third quarter. The precise nature of the injury wasn’t initially clear, nor was McCarthy’s timeline to return with two games remaining in the regular season.
Before leaving the game, McCarthy completed 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards with one interception, added 20 rushing yards, and scored on a quarterback run. Sunday’s exit marked the third separate injury that has cost McCarthy playing time this season. Earlier in the year, he missed five games with a high ankle sprain and later sat out one contest while in concussion protocol. Those issues followed an entire rookie season lost to a torn meniscus in his right knee.
The Vikings also dealt with additional injuries Sunday. Center Ryan Kelly was ruled out after entering concussion protocol for the third time this season, giving him six diagnosed concussions in his career. Running back Jordan Mason left in the first quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. Minnesota is already without Christian Darrisaw and Jonathan Greenard for the remainder of the season.
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