In the lyrics to Smashmouth’s top hit All-Star they talk about the years don’t stop comin’. Well, for the Vikings in 2025, the injuries “don’t stop comin'” as they are now dealing with more significant injuries with just two games left on the schedule.
In Week 16, both center Ryan Kelly and quarterback J.J. McCarthy exited the game with injuries. For Kelly, it was another concussion on the year, while McCarthy is dealing with a small fracture in his hand. As a result, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has ruled both men out for Week 17 against the Detroit Lions on a short week.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is OUT for Thursday’s Christmas game vs. Lions.
Further imaging showed a very, very small hairline fracture.
Doesn’t think it’ll require surgery. Recovery similar to bone bruise.
Max Brosmer will start.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) December 23, 2025
As The Athletic’s Alec Lewis points out above, backup quarterback Max Brosmer will make his second start of the season. He took over for McCarthy late in Week 16 against the New York Giants in a game in which they won 16-13. The undrafted free agent will have a chance to bounce back from his atrocious first start against the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the year when the Detroit Lions come to town with a chip on their shoulder.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings HC rules out two starters for Week 17 against the Lions
