Dec 31, 2025
3 min read
An expected decision by the Green Bay Packers could affect whether J.J.plays.Will McCarthy start at QB for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18?
After seeing his offense total three yards in Thursday's win over the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell expressed hope that quarterback Jay J. McCarthy will return to the starting lineup next weekend for the team's regular-season finale against the Green Bay Packers.
Although O'Connell would like to see McCarthy return to the field, the Packers may have already made the Minnesota decision for them.
After Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Green is locked into the NFC's No. 7 seed for the 2025 playoffs, and as a result, they are "expected to rest key players, and as a result, they are," according to ESPN.
The Minnesota Vikings are probably better off with J.J.McCarthy was sidelined for the Week 18 matchup with the Green Bay Packers
Another game to help gauge McCarthy's progress is a big reason, some feel that Minnesota will be able to play in Week 18 if the hand injury is still not a problem.
But now that the Packers are expected to sit their best players for next weekend's playoff run, would it make sense for the Vikings to start McCarthy if he's healthy?How well can Minnesota accurately evaluate their young quarterback, even in a game against a bunch of Green Bay reserves?
McCarthy's tendency to get injured this season should also be a factor in the Vikings' decision on his status in Week 18. The second-year quarterback has been sidelined with three different injuries this season, and the risk of him suffering another in a meaningless game that could affect what will be a very important offseason for him just doesn't seem worth it.
McCarthy's status for Minnesota's season finale likely won't be known until Wednesday, when the team releases its first injury report for Week 18. If he's listed as a non-participant in this injury report, don't expect him to play for the Vikings next weekend against the Packers.
