Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is coping with one other harm.
McCarthy was a restricted participant in observe Wednesday due to a bruised hand he suffered within the third quarter of the Vikings' 27-19 loss Sunday to the Baltimore Ravens.
Each McCarthy and coach Kevin O'Connell downplayed the impression the harm could have on his preparation for Sunday's recreation towards the Chicago Bears, nevertheless it was clear Wednesday that McCarthy was not 100%.
He wore padding on the hand, which O'Connell mentioned was to guard towards one other spherical of swelling, and didn't throw any right-handed passes through the portion of observe open to reporters. He did jokingly toss just a few left-handed throws.
For many of his weekly information convention with native reporters, McCarthy saved each arms contained in the pocket of his hoodie.
Earlier within the day, O'Connell mentioned that “every part checked out” and added: “Do not see that affecting actually his week of preparation very a lot in any respect.”
The harm occurred with 2 minutes, 31 seconds left within the third quarter. After throwing towards receiver Justin Jefferson ultimately zone, McCarthy's hand hit the helmet of left guard Donovan Jackson. Within the fourth quarter, McCarthy's off-target price rose to 40% as he accomplished solely 6-of-16 makes an attempt, in keeping with ESPN Analysis.
“Should you get your hand slammed in a automobile door, it may really feel completely different for every part you do with that hand,” he mentioned. “There is no excuses. We're warriors and we have to push by way of.”
McCarthy missed 23 of his first 25 NFL video games due to accidents to his proper knee and proper ankle. He returned from the latter ailment in Week 9 and has began solely 4 of the Vikings' 9 video games this season.
Though there is no such thing as a indication that he might be unavailable for Sunday's recreation, the Vikings have positioned specific emphasis on McCarthy's observe reps as they work to develop him as their long-term starter. McCarthy missed a Sept. 11 observe to attend the beginning of his son, Rome, and O'Connell has famous a number of events how the missed time may need impacted his efficiency in a Sept. 14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
