The 7-8 Vikings have gone 5-4 in games McCarthy has started this season. The second-year quarterback has completed 57.3 percent of his passes for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
McCarthy has flashed the upside of a difficult season but cannot stay on the field. 2024 no. 10 overall pick missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury and missed earlier games this season with a sprained ankle and concussion.
The Vikings have won three straight before two NFC North matchups to finish the season. O’Connell has supported McCarthy throughout his injury-plagued campaign, but as the offseason approaches, the spotlight will be on the quarterback in Minnesota. At the very least, the Vikings need legitimate competition and insurance if McCarthy’s injury continues.
“I’ve been really, really happy and proud of how JJ, through the season finale here, has taken some big steps and grown,” O’Connell said. “It’s been awesome to be with him every day and to be on the road with him, even though we’ve lost time. … It doesn’t take away from the growth we’ve seen from JJ. He’s called it. He’s been out here for the walk-throughs and wants to be 100% locked and loaded in hopes of coming back next week, hopefully that’s definitely going to be with us.”