The Minnesota Vikings are suggesting that J.J. McCarthy's injury isn't a big deal.
But he has a bruised right hand, which is otherwise known as the hand he throws the football with.
And given McCarthy's early struggles in his first year of NFL action (after an injury-missed rookie season), that's not ideal at all.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert laid out the dilemma like this:
"QB J.J. McCarthy has been one of the NFL's least accurate passers this season, ranking 44th of 46 QBs who have made at least one start in off-target percentage (22.1%). This week added an additional challenge: a bruised right hand that limited his practice participation. McCarthy and coach Kevin O'Connell downplayed the injury's significance, but there are plenty of reasons to be concerned about accuracy when McCarthy's throwing hand is affected. The Bears' defense is vulnerable, having allowed the NFL's fifth-most touchdown passes (20). But can McCarthy take advantage?"
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McCarthy is actually going up against a guy in Caleb Williams of Chicago who had inaccuracy issues as a rookie but has sharpened them up this season.
The Vikings' member of the 2024 QB draft class doesn't have that same luxury as Williams. Because of his August knee injury in 2024, McCarthy didn't get a rookie season of growing pains.
Instead, he's having them now.
There have been bright spots. When McCarthy moves around he looks dangerous, and his arm talent is clear on certain throws.
But inconsistency is not something helpful to an NFL offense, and right now, McCarthy is quite inconsistent.
Until the Vikings figure that out, their top-end talent may not reach its full potential. And McCarthy's injury this week will probably delay any total knowledge until down the road.
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