EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants with a right hand injury. He left the field with trainers at the end of the first half and didn’t return in the third quarter.
McCarthy’s final play came on the Vikings’ second-to-last offensive snap of the first half. The Vikings attempted a wide receiver screen to receiver Justin Jefferson. Giants edge rusher Brian Burns came free off the right edge and clocked McCarthy, who fumbled the ball, then remained on the ground. The fumble was scooped up by Tyler Nubin of the Giants and returned 27 yards for a touchdown.
BRIAN BURNS STRIP SACK TURNS INTO GIANTS TD
MINvsNYG on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/iG0D6Q0TZi
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
The injury, however, may have occurred on an earlier drive. On the play in question, McCarthy scrambled to his right and threw a pass downfield, but in his follow-through, his right hand smashed into the helmet of Giants pass rusher Roy Robertson-Harris.
After the strip-sack, the Fox television broadcast caught trainers and head coach Kevin O’Connell tending to McCarthy on the sideline. McCarthy cringed in obvious pain.
Before the injury, McCarthy had completed 9-of-14 passes for 108 yards and an interception. He also had a 12-yard rushing touchdown. Despite the fumble return for a touchdown, the Vikings led 13-10 at the half.
Injuries have been a theme for McCarthy throughout the early part of his career. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Then, he missed five games early this season with a high ankle sprain. He was also in the concussion protocol and missed the game against Seattle. The Vikings hoped McCarthy would finish the season strong, instilling confidence for 2026.
McCarthy was replaced by backup quarterback Max Brosmer, an undrafted free agent from the University of Minnesota. Brosmer started the Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks, when he threw four interceptions and the Vikings were shut out.