Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Cleared to Start Against Bears Despite Hand Injury

The Minnesota Vikings will enter Sunday’s NFC North showdown against the Chicago Bears with quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center, despite a hand injury sustained last week. The 21-year-old signal-caller had been listed on the injury report but was officially removed and deemed “good to go” for the matchup.

McCarthy’s hand injury occurred in the third quarter of Minnesota’s 27-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when he collided with an opposing player’s helmet. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell indicated the incident would not disrupt preparation, allowing McCarthy to move forward with confidence heading into a critical divisional game.

While McCarthy will play, the Vikings will be without defensive end Jonathan Greenard (shoulder) and center Ryan Kelly (concussion), both ruled out for the contest. Their absences present challenges for Minnesota, particularly along the offensive line and defensive front.

Despite an injury-plagued season and the team sitting at a 4-5 record, McCarthy is eager to continue proving himself and help the Vikings gain traction in the NFC North.

1. McCarthy Ready Despite Injury Setback

J.J. McCarthy’s hand injury, though minor, caused concern following Minnesota’s loss to Baltimore. The quarterback reported no limitations after medical evaluation, and O’Connell confirmed it would not affect his game preparation. McCarthy himself has shown resilience, acknowledging the pain while emphasizing the importance of pushing through adversity. “If you get your hand slammed in a car door, it’s going to feel different for everything you do with that hand,” he said. “There’s no excuses. We’re warriors and we’ve got to push through.” This mindset is critical for the Vikings, as McCarthy has dealt with multiple injuries this season. Maintaining his health and performance will be key if Minnesota hopes to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC North. The team’s medical staff has monitored him closely, ensuring the quarterback can perform at his best while mitigating further risk to his hand.

2. Impact of Teammates’ Absences

While McCarthy is available, the Vikings will face Sunday without defensive end Jonathan Greenard and center Ryan Kelly. Greenard’s shoulder injury sidelines one of Minnesota’s top pass-rushers, limiting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ryan Kelly’s absence in the middle of the offensive line presents challenges for both pass protection and the run game. His leadership and experience are difficult to replace, and backups will be tasked with maintaining stability against Chicago’s defensive front. The Vikings’ coaching staff has adjusted game plans to account for these key absences, emphasizing quick passes and strategic blocking schemes to help McCarthy operate effectively. Despite the missing personnel, Minnesota is expected to remain competitive, relying on a combination of youth and veteran experience to execute under pressure.

3. McCarthy Looking to Lead Vikings to Victory

So far this season, McCarthy has thrown for 692 yards, with five touchdowns and six interceptions over four games. While the numbers reflect the challenges of an inconsistent year, the quarterback has shown flashes of leadership and poise. Sunday’s game against the Bears provides an opportunity for McCarthy to build momentum and continue developing chemistry with his offense. A win would be a critical step toward improving Minnesota’s playoff positioning and confidence in the NFC North. The quarterback’s resilience and willingness to play through injury send a strong message to teammates and fans, reinforcing his role as a leader of the Vikings’ offense. As Minnesota looks to improve to 5-5, McCarthy’s performance will be pivotal in determining whether the team can bounce back and remain a contender in a competitive division.