EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy suffered a right hand injury Sunday against the New York Giants and was ruled out during the first half. This was the largest string of injuries the Vikings had in the first half.
Running back Jordan Mason (ankle) and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) were also ruled out before the start of the second half.
It was not clear when McCarthy suffered the injury, but his final play ended when he was sacked by Giants linebacker Brian Burns with 25 seconds left in the first period. McCarthy fumbled and remained on the ground while Tyler Nobin caught the ball and returned it for a touchdown. McCarthy smiled noticeably as medical officials began examining his hand, and he walked straight to the locker room.
Injuries have been a major concern for McCarthy since the Vikings made him the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft. He missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus in his right knee. A sprained right ankle cost him five games earlier this season, and a concussion cost him a sixth.
And down the middle, his play has been inconsistent at best. On Sunday, he completed 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards with one interception. He was sacked three times but scored on a 12-yard scramble late in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, Kelly’s concussion was his third of the season and the sixth of his NFL career. He suffered three concussions during his first eight NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. This season, he was diagnosed with concussions in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers before the Vikings placed him on injured reserve.
Upon his return last month, Kelly changed his helmet and began wearing a Guardian Cap during games. Sunday’s game was his fifth game since his return.
Mason, the Vikings’ leading rusher this season, suffered the injury during the team’s opening drive. He was on the field because starter Aaron Jones Sr. left with an ankle injury on his first carry. Mason carried twice for five yards on the drive, and the injury occurred at the end of a six-yard reception.
With both Jones and Mason in the medical tent, the Vikings used third-string running back Zavier Scott before Jones returned in the second quarter.
Entering the game, Mason led the Vikings with 659 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.