Fantasy Football News

Vikings RB Aaron Jones logged a season-high 21 carries in Minnesota's 16-13 Week 16 win over the Giants. Jones, who briefly exited the game in the first quarter with a minor ankle injury, also had his highest rushing total (85) and snap count (39) of the 2025 season. No. 2 RB Jordan Mason, who had a 47% snap share and 51% rush share heading into Week 16, was carted off the field in the second quarter with an ankle injury and quickly ruled out. With Mason absent, Jones' expanded workload resulted in him surpassing double-digit fantasy points for the first time since Week 11.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is out for the second half of Sunday's game vs. the Giants with a right hand injury. He was presumably hurt when he took a big hit on a sack-fumble at the end of the second quarter. QB Max Brosmer will finish out this game for Minnesota. We'll keep you updated on McCarthy's status.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion) put in a full week of practice and is off the final injury report. He’ll start Sunday’s game vs. the Commanders’ 30th-ranked QB defense. Despite the plus matchup, McCarthy hasn’t done nearly enough to be considered more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy lineups.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand) is not listed on the final injury report. He was limited in Wednesday’s practice with what sounds like a laceration to the top of his throwing hand but got in full workouts on Thursday and Friday. We’re not expecting McCarthy to be impacted vs. the Bears this weekend.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) put in a full week of practice and is off the final injury report. He’ll start Sunday’s game vs. the Lions. McCarthy played well in one of eight quarters to open the season. We’ll see if he can get rolling coming off the extended absence, but he can’t be trusted as more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy lineups. McCarthy also adds a bit more downside to WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Vikings QB Carson Wentz will miss the rest of the season with a left shoulder injury that needs surgery, according to multiple reports. Wentz originally suffered the injury on Oct. 5 and has since been visibly bothered by it at points in every start.

The Vikings are "optimistic" that they'll have WR Jalen Nailor for their Monday night opener vs. the Bears, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Nailor has been working back from a hand injury suffered in mid-August.

Justin Jefferson, who has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury, is still not practicing, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy (knee) will have "no limitations" for the start of the offseason program this week. McCarthy missed his rookie season with a meniscus injury that required surgeries in August and November. But it sounds like a non-issue moving forward.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is back on the field, throwing and training, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Thursday. McCarthy is working his way back from a right knee injury suffered in August. He had his meniscus repaired on August 14 and a second surgery in November to address swelling. But it sounds like McCarthy is trending in the right direction now and should be able to participate in the offseason program

The Vikings selected Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. McCarthy won 27 of 28 starts over the past two seasons, but a run-heavy Michigan squad limited the raw production. He averaged only 23.4 passes per game from 2022-2023. He hit 300 yards three times over that stretch. Of course, counting stats make up a small piece of the overall evaluation. Look to the efficiency, and McCarthy thrived – particularly in 2023. He posted an elite yards per attempt (9.0) and adjusted completion rate (80.0%). Running a pro-style system under HC Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy also excelled on throws over the middle of the field. The plus athlete showed his movement skills at the NFL Combine with a 91st percentile 3-cone (6.82) and 72nd percentile shuttle (4.23). He tallied ten rushing TDs for his career. The 6’2, 215-pounder isn’t the most physically imposing QB, but his tape doesn’t give us any arm strength concerns. And he avoided missing time due to an injury. It’s also worth remembering that this Michigan offense wasn’t loaded like the ones Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. played with. Ultimately, the selection of McCarthy is a bet on traits, athleticism, and high character. He’s certainly matched with a bright offensive mind in HC Kevin O'Connell. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson supply an excellent trio of weapons. McCarthy projects as the Week 1 starter over Sam Darnold, but it's far from a lock. The Michigan product looks no better than a low-end QB2 for redraft.