Is JJ McCarthy playing today? The Minnesota Vikings QB won’t take the field on Christmas after suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand. Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie, gets his second career start. The Vikings host the Detroit Lions in a Week 17 matchup with major playoff implications.
🔥 Quick Facts
- JJ McCarthy injured his right hand late in the first half Sunday against the Giants and underwent MRI testing that revealed a small hairline fracture
- Max Brosmer, a 6-foot-2 undrafted rookie, will make his second NFL start today at U.S. Bank Stadium
- Kickoff today is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on Netflix, with the Vikings at 7-8 and Lions at 8-7
- The Vikings have already been eliminated from playoff contention, while the Lions’ playoff hopes remain alive
McCarthy’s Injury Rules Out Starting QB for Christmas Matchup
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JJ McCarthy suffered the injury late in the first half of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Initial X-rays didn’t reveal the severity, but further imaging showed the small hairline fracture in his throwing hand.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell ruled McCarthy out on Tuesday, ending any speculation about his availability. O’Connell described the fracture as “very, very small,” but the injury sidelines the second-year quarterback for the franchise’s last game of the 2025 calendar year.
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This marks another unfortunate injury for McCarthy, who has missed 23 of his 32 career games due to various ailments. The former No. 10 overall pick missed his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus and has battled injuries throughout this season.
Max Brosmer Steps in for Second Start Against Division Rival
Max Brosmer gets his second career start today against the Lions. The undrafted rookie from Colorado State emerged as a backup option when Carson Wentz, the original backup, was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Brosmer appeared in five games entering today and made his first start against the Seattle Seahawks on November 30. The 6-foot-2, 218-pound signal caller has seen action in several games this season, providing solid depth behind McCarthy.
The rookie aims to provide stability in the pocket and avoid turnover issues that plagued earlier appearances. Brosmer completed key throws to Justin Jefferson in Sunday’s victory over the Giants, demonstrating his ability to connect with the Vikings’ star receiver.
Vikings vs Lions Matchup Details and Key Storylines
| Category | Vikings | Lions |
| Record | 7-8 | 8-7 |
| Key Player | Justin Jefferson (WR) | Jared Goff (QB) |
| Game Status | Eliminated from playoffs | Playoff hopes alive |
| Recent Form | 3-game winning streak | Struggling (3-5 in past 8) |
Justin Jefferson leads the Vikings offense with 917 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns through the season. The star wideout will look to stay involved early and help Brosmer find his rhythm against a Lions defense that has given up significant passing yards.
Detroit’s defense ranks 29th in EPA per play over their last eight games, presenting an opportunity for the Vikings to move the ball. The Lions offense, led by Jared Goff, must find consistency after a recent downturn in performance.
What’s at Stake on Christmas Day in Week 17?
The Vikings have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention but will look to finish the season strong. Minnesota has won three consecutive games and aims to build momentum heading into the offseason.
For the Lions, every game matters now. Detroit needs victories to stay alive in the playoff hunt and can’t afford a loss to a division rival, especially one starting a backup quarterback. The Lions have home-field advantage and must capitalize against a Vikings team that could mail in the effort.
The Vikings front seven will look to pressure Goff, while Detroit aims to contain star receiver Jefferson and force Brosmer into tough decisions. This matchup features several intriguing subplots beyond the headline injury news.
Will Max Brosmer Lead the Vikings to Another Victory Today?
The undrafted rookie faces an incredible challenge against a division rival on one of the NFL’s biggest stages. Brosmer must avoid costly mistakes and lean on the running game and Jefferson‘s receiving prowess to keep the chains moving.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has shown confidence in Brosmer, allowing him to take another start despite the sophomore season expectations. Whether the young quarterback can execute the offense efficiently under Christmas Day pressure remains the key question heading into the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
The Lions will test Brosmer’s poise early and often. If the rookie can manage the game and avoid turnovers while Jefferson creates separation, the Vikings have a path to victory despite their playoff elimination.
Sources
- NFL.com – Official injury report and quarterback announcements
- ESPN – Game preview, team statistics, and player performance data
- Vikings.com – Team announcements and coaching statements
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.