The Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes hang in the balance heading into Week 17, and a key J.J. McCarthy injury update could play a major role in Thursday’s crucial matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Detroit faces a simple but unforgiving scenario: lose to Minnesota and the Lions are eliminated from playoff contention. Even with a win, the Lions still need help, as the Green Bay Packers must lose to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. A Packers victory would officially end Detroit’s season.

J.J. McCarthy Misses Practice With Hand Injury

Ahead of the must-win showdown, the Vikings are dealing with uncertainty at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy did not practice Monday after suffering a hand injury that forced him out of Minnesota’s Week 16 win over the New York Giants.

While the Vikings have yet to rule him out, ESPN reporter Kevin Seifert cast serious doubt on McCarthy’s availability due to the short turnaround to Thursday afternoon’s game.

“We’ll get some official clarity on J.J. McCarthy (hand) but I would be very surprised if he plays this week on such a short turnaround,” Seifert wrote Tuesday.

Vikings Coach Not Optimistic Despite Negative X-Rays

Although X-rays on McCarthy’s hand came back negative, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t sound confident following Sunday’s game.

“We’ll see where his hand’s at, and if he has the ability to play for us again,” O’Connell said. “I sure hope so.”

O’Connell added that McCarthy’s development has been encouraging, making the potential absence even more disappointing for Minnesota as the season winds down.

Lions Benefit if McCarthy Is Ruled Out

If McCarthy cannot play, the Vikings would likely turn to rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, a clear downgrade heading into a high-stakes divisional matchup.

Brosmer made one start this season in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, completing 19-of-30 passes for 126 yards with four interceptions—a performance that would significantly boost Detroit’s chances of winning.

When Will McCarthy’s Status Be Confirmed?

The next official update on J.J. McCarthy is expected Tuesday, with a final decision likely coming by Wednesday. Until then, Detroit will monitor the situation closely as it prepares for one of the most important games of its season.

For the Lions, McCarthy’s availability—or lack thereof—could be the difference between staying alive in the playoff race or seeing their season end in Week 17.