Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy cleared to start vs. Packers; T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones Sr. ruled out

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Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been cleared to play in the Vikings’ regular-season finale on Sunday, Jan. 4, against the Green Bay Packers.

McCarthy will return to the starting lineup after missing the last game and a half due to a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. He was a full participant in practices Thursday and Friday in a week that kicked off with a strong Tuesday throwing session in front of the training staff, coach Kevin O’Connell said.

“He threw the ball well,” O’Connell said. “I’m excited to see him on Sunday. It’s going to be his 10th start, has gained some experience and gets an opportunity to lead the team on Sunday, which is important.”

This season is over for tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones Sr. Both have been ruled out. Neither practiced this week due to recent injuries.

Right tackle Brian O’Neill (heel) will return from a one-game absence due to an injury he played through Dec. 21 in New York.

Hockenson’s seventh NFL season ends with a career-high 77% catch rate but modest production with 51 catches and 438 yards for a struggling passing attack. He also had a career-high 41% blocking rate, per Pro Football Focus, as the Vikings ran the ball more and kept him in pass protection.

Running back Jordan Mason has been cleared to return from a one-game absence because of an ankle injury. He will replace Jones in the starting lineup, with Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott in reserve.

Jones, 31, played the last 10 games through shoulder and ankle injuries, but his current hip problem will end his season. Jones said he wanted a hip-drop penalty called on Lions linebacker Jack Campbell for the tackle that injured him on Dec. 25.

Jones, who finishes with 747 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in 12 games, previously missed four games because of a hamstring strain.

Cornerback Dwight McGlothern (hip) is listed as questionable.

Tight end Gavin Bartholomew (back) has been ruled out. The sixth-round pick returned from a summer injury to practice for two weeks before the end of his rookie season.

Running back Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) has been cleared to play, but it remains to be seen how many Packers starters will be involved with the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed already clinched.

Quarterback Jordan Love cleared the concussion protocol this week, but Clayton Tune will make his second NFL start. Green Bay’s typical backup QB, Malik Willis (right shoulder), is listed as questionable.

Some players can earn extra change in the season’s final game.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen has likely already locked up an extra $750,000 for surpassing 70% defensive snaps. He has played 77%, the most among Minnesota’s interior defensive linemen.

Punter Ryan Wright ranks fourth in the league with a career-high 44.2 net yards per punt. If he remains in the top 10, he’ll get an extra $250,000 through a contract incentive.

“He’s done an unbelievable job having this growth mindset,” Daniels said. “I can tell him that one punt is good in my book, and he’ll say, ‘That’s not good enough.’ ”

Offensive lineman Blake Brandel has an understanding with the team that he’ll play, if needed, to stay above a 60% playing time threshold that will guarantee him a $200,000 incentive in his contract. Brandel is currently at 63.7% and is back on the bench with O’Neill returning and Michael Jurgens starting at center.