Latest on J.J. McCarthy's Injury Timeline Before Vikings vs. Lions NFL Christmas Game

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is dealing with a hairline fracture in his throwing hand.

The second-year player is set to miss Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Minnesota announced that Max Brosmer will start in McCarthy's place.

The injury comes as the Vikings sit at 7-8 on the season heading into the contest against Detroit.

McCarthy left Minnesota's Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants after suffering a hand injury. After X-rays came back negative, it appeared that McCarthy had suffered a broken bone in his hand. The injury occurred when he hit his hand on the helmet of Vikings defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.

That injury followed what has been an unfortunate stretch of ailments to start his career. McCarthy missed all of his rookie season after suffering a knee injury before the start of the year.

He kicked off the 2025 campaign with more injuries, missing five contests because of a high ankle sprain on Sept. 14. McCarthy then missed the Vikings' Week 13 contest against the Seattle Seahawks after reporting concussion symptoms following a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

In nine games, McCarthy has thrown for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

With McCarthy sidelined, the Vikings will turn to Brosmer under center. Brosmer, who signed with Minnesota after going undrafted in 2025, filled in for McCarthy earlier this season when he was dealing with a concussion.