Overview
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy has a very small hairline fracture in his throwing hand and will not play on Christmas against Detroit.
- Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer gets the start with John Wolford in reserve and recent practice-squad addition Brett Rypien available, while Carson Wentz remains on injured reserve.
- Minnesota is out of playoff contention, shifting the final two games toward evaluation of the quarterback depth chart.
- GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah cited "growth moments" for McCarthy and emphasized positive elements of his pocket management and decision-making.
- Analysts, including The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, argue the team should treat 2026 as a true quarterback marketplace for veteran insurance or competition, while insider Dianna Russini reports the expectation that McCarthy stays on the roster.