Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was injured on a late second-quarter hit by Brian Burns of the Giants. Elsa / Getty Images
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy injured his right hand Sunday afternoon, late in the second quarter of his team’s game against the New York Giants. He left the field before halftime with team trainers. Minnesota ruled him out soon after.
The injury occurred on the team’s second-to-last offensive play of the first half. The Vikings attempted a wide receiver screen. Giants edge rusher Brian Burns came free off the right edge and clocked McCarthy, who fumbled before he was able to throw the ball, then remained on the ground. The fumble was recovered 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 One pic.twitter.com/iG0D6Q0TZi
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
Before the injury, McCarthy had completed 9-of-14 passes for 108 yards and an interception.
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 and the Vikings were shut out.
Injuries have been a theme for McCarthy throughout the early part of his career. He 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.