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Vikings Name J.J. McCarthy Week 18 Starter After Hand Fracture

The start serves as a final evaluation as reports say Minnesota will keep him for 2026, exploring veteran quarterback options.

Overview

  • Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy will start Sunday after full practices Thursday and Friday, and the quarterback carries no injury designation.
  • The matchup carries no playoff stakes, with Minnesota already eliminated and Green Bay locked into the NFC’s No. 7 seed.
  • Green Bay will sit Jordan Love despite his concussion clearance, Malik Willis is questionable, and third-stringer Clayton Tune is expected to start.
  • Through nine starts, McCarthy has completed 57.3% of his passes for 1,450 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, missing time with a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and a right-hand fracture.
  • Multiple reports indicate the Vikings intend to retain McCarthy for 2026 while pursuing veteran competition via trade or free agency, with speculation linking the team to established quarterbacks.