The Minnesota Vikings will host the Chicago Bears on Sunday, trying to win the regular-season matchup after taking the season opener against Caleb Williams and Co. J.J. McCarthy will play his third game back from injury, boasting a 2-0 record against NFC North rivals.
He will try to make it 3-0 on Sunday. However, fans received a potentially concerning update on the quarterback’s throwing arm. Bears reporter Brad Biggs shared that McCarthy was wearing a “wrap” on his right hand during warmups.
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Briggs added that McCarthy’s right hand was bruised against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. This could be troubling for the playmaker, who completed just 20 of 42 pass attempts (47.6%) against Baltimore.
#Vikings QB JJ McCarthy has some type of wrap on his right throwing hand for warmups. The hand was bruised in last week's game. Fox will surely have up-close shots of it when the game begins. He's completing 53.7% of his passes and a hand injury only complicates issues.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 16, 2025
Injuries have limited McCarthy to just four games this season. He had a strong start against the Bears, going 13 of 20 for 143 yards and two touchdowns against one interception. The former Michigan Wolverines star added two carries for 25 yards and one touchdown.
The Vikings (4-5) rank fourth in the NFC North standings, and a loss against Chicago would worsen their situation. McCarthy has been under criticism this season, as some believe he is not yet ready to lead the team.
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Chicago isn’t the same team it was in Week 1. They are tied at 6-3 with the Lions and appear to be a real threat to Dan Campbell’s team. This game could have ramifications in the NFC North race since both teams have a lot at stake.
With Carson Wentz out for the season, Max Brosmer is the Vikings’ backup quarterback for this duel.
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