EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned to practice on Wednesday, with his injured throwing hand improving enough to give him an opportunity to play in the final game of the season.
McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand during Minnesota's win over the New York Giants on Dec. 21. He was sidelined just before halftime of that game and held out of the victory over the Detroit Lions last Thursday. The Vikings (8-8) host the Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) on Sunday, a matchup with no impact on the playoffs.
McCarthy had a ''really positive throwing session'' with the coaching staff and athletic trainers on Tuesday, coach Kevin O'Connell said, and was on track for significant work with the full team on the field on Wednesday.
''The plan as of right now is to give him as much as possible just so we can determine where he's at,'' O'Connell said.
McCarthy has started nine games this season. After missing his rookie year with a knee injury, he lost more time in 2025 to a sprained ankle, a concussion and most recently the broken hand.
''Would love to get him another one, but obviously only if he's medically cleared and can 100% do his job,'' O'Connell said.
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