Vikings lose QB J.J. McCarthy to hand injury in 16-13 win at Giants
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell: 'Found a way to win a game'
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell spoke with reporters after Sunday's 16-13 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings earned a 16-13 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, but lost J.J. McCarthy to an injury for the third time this season in the process.
The Vikings are now 7-8 and have won three straight games despite being eliminated from the NFC Playoff picture. That's also despite not arriving to New Jersey until early Sunday morning after the team had plane issues on Saturday.
"It was an interesting 24 hours or so for our team. Three in a row, tough point in the season where a lot of guys could’ve focused their intentions elsewhere. These guys just continue to fight," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said after the win.
J.J. McCarthy exits with right hand injury
What we know:
McCarthy left Sunday's game late in the first half after fumbling on a Brian Burns' sack. Former Gophers' star Tyler Nubin recovered it, and ran it back for a touchdown as the Vikings led 13-10 at the break. McCarthy went to the sideline and did a test on his right hand with trainers, immediately wincing in pain.
He walked to the locker room before the end of the half, and was ruled out for the game as they came out for the third quarter. O'Connell said McCarthy suffered the injury before his second quarter touchdown run, and had discomfort in the hand on the next drive. He tried to play through it, but couldn't grip the football.
"I thought J.J. was doing a lot of really good things. Really unfortunate he wasn’t able to finish the football game. It’s a bummer because I’m having a blast coaching him," O'Connell said.
It marks the third time this season McCarthy has had to miss time due to injury. He missed five games earlier this year with an ankle injury, and one game in the concussion protocol. He was 9-of-14 for 108 yards, a rushing touchdown and an interception before leaving Sunday’s game.
O'Connell was asked if the injury could end McCarthy's season. He didn't have an answer. He did say there was no fracture in the hand.
"The only information I have is that X-rays were negative, I don’t want to speculate one way or the other. Just crossing our fingers that we’ll have him back out there," O'Connell said.
Ryan Kelly, Jordan Mason leave injured
Why you should care:
McCarthy wasn’t the only Vikings’ player to leave Sunday’s game. Ryan Kelly was declared out after entering the concussion protocol. It’s his third time in the protocol this season, and he now has six diagnosed concussions in his career. Jordan Mason suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and did not return.
The Vikings are also without Christian Darrisaw and Jonathan Greenard for the rest of the season.
Vikings hold off Giants, 16-13
How it happened:
The Vikings beat the Giants 16-13 thanks to a McCarthy rushing touchdown, and three Will Reichard field goals.
Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted a Jaxson Dart pass that was dropped, and five different Vikings got a sack on Dart as he threw for just 33 yards on the day.
The Vikings improve to 7-8, have won three straight games and return home for the final two regular season games. They host the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, and host the Green Bay Packers to end the season.