Shortly after watching his offense put together one of the most pitiful passing performances in the history of the franchise in Thursday's win over the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was asked about the status of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The Vikings were without McCarthy for the Lions game because of a hand injury he suffered in Week 16, and after the Christmas Day matchup, O'Connell shared what needs to happen during the next few days in order for the young quarterback to return to the field for Minnesota's regular-season final against the Green Bay Packers in less than two weeks.
"It's all going to come down to just grip strength and his ability to grip the football and throw it. [I] would obviously love to have him get one more opportunity for this year.
...I look forward to seeing how J.J. progresses here early in the week, and we'll see if we can have him [for Week 18]."
Will J.J. McCarthy return in Week 18 to help the Minnesota Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers?
O'Connell made it pretty clear that he would prefer McCarthy to play in Week 18 if he is able to. So it doesn't seem like a situation where the Vikings are looking to shut down the quarterback for the rest of the season to avoid any additional injuries.
If McCarthy can play against the Packers next week, he's going to play.
After Minnesota fans had to sit through 60 minutes of watching Max Brosmer throw for a total of 51 yards on Thursday, almost anyone would be better under center for the team's final game of the 2025 season.
Brosmer has made it very obvious in his two starts with the Vikings this year why he wasn't selected in the 2025 NFL Draft back in April. So, McCarthy returning to the field for Week 18 would really feel like a breath of fresh air for Minnesota.
Just imagine if McCarthy is able to play in the regular-season finale, and he sends the Vikings into the offseason with an impressive win over the hated Packers. Now, that would be something that definitely helps his chances to remain Minnesota's QB1 for at least one more year.