Scoggins: Biggest loss in J.J. McCarthy’s latest injury? Time to evaluate him.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Stretches of tangible improvement were materializing in recent weeks. Better pocket awareness. Sharper decisiveness in decision-making. More accurate passes.

The trajectory of J.J. McCarthy’s development finally began to trend in a positive direction. Same thing again Sunday.

The first half against the dreadful New York Giants presented a laundry list of adverse circumstances for the young Vikings quarterback to manage between dropped passes, injuries and windy conditions. McCarthy handled it all just fine, until the offense took the field in the final minute before halftime with a 13-3 lead at MetLife Stadium.

Apparently, McCarthy could not grip the football.

When he didn’t release the ball on a quick screen to Justin Jefferson, then absorbed a crushing hit by Brian Burns, McCarthy’s day was done. And his absence might extend longer, pending more exams scheduled for Monday.

The Vikings won the game 16-13, but McCarthy’s early exit brings more disruption to the organization’s evaluation of his progress.

“It’s a bummer just because I’m having a blast coaching him,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “I’ve been so proud of the way he’s come back these last few weeks and really shown some growth.”

McCarthy wore a glove on his right hand in the locker room after the game.

“You’d love to have him for two straight home games to finish,” O’Connell said. “We’ll see where his hand is at and if he has the ability to play for us again. I sure hope so.”

O’Connell didn’t know the exact play that caused the injury since he had not talked to McCarthy before speaking to reporters. The assumption is that McCarthy hit his hand on a helmet on a follow-through while making a pass on the previous series that ended with his 12-yard touchdown run.

McCarthy went to the locker room accompanied by members of the medical staff after Burns’ sack-strip ignited a touchdown return by former Gophers safety Tyler Nubin 25 seconds before halftime.

Once the Vikings were officially eliminated from the postseason, an overarching goal centered on McCarthy’s development and gaining a clearer understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, and how to proceed as an organization heading into the 2026 season.

This is now his third different injury or ailment this season (ankle, concussion, hand), along with his knee injury that ended his rookie season before it began.

If this sidelines him for the final two games, his résumé will consist of 8½ games entering Year 3.

In that scenario, how does the team confidently move forward without adding a veteran of some experience, given McCarthy’s injury history? A full evaluation is incomplete without more data.

The timing of this latest injury is unfortunate because McCarthy showed more encouraging signs in the first half.

“He was, in my opinion, putting together a very nice performance again,” O’Connell said.

In the opening series, on third down, McCarthy faced heavy pressure from Dexter Lawrence II up the middle. He stood tall in the pocket and delivered a big-time throw to Jordan Addison in the end zone. Addison dropped it. The result was a field goal instead of touchdown.

Next drive, Jalen Nailor bobbled a pass along the sideline that ended up in the arms of Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo for an interception.

Next possession, McCarthy caught a break. On third-and-goal from the 8, his pass to Nailor was high and deflected off his hands. Safety Jevon Holland intercepted it and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown. Except rookie linebacker Abdul Carter was ruled offsides, negating the play.

The drops and missed opportunities didn’t rattle McCarthy. The biggest headline until his injury was that a connection with Justin Jefferson finally started to click, notably on third down.

That development in a third consecutive victory figured to put more wind at McCarthy’s back. More good vibes and positive signs to build upon.