The injury bug continues to hit the Minnesota Vikings at the worst possible time.
With just two games remaining in the 2025 NFL regular season, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has officially ruled out two key starters for Week 17 against the Detroit Lions. Both center Ryan Kelly and quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the divisional matchup on a short week.
Kelly exited the Vikings’ Week 16 win over the New York Giants after suffering yet another concussion, marking his second of the season. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was forced out of the game with a small fracture in his hand, an injury that will sideline him at least through Week 17.
According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, O’Connell confirmed that neither player will be available when Minnesota hosts Detroit, dealing a significant blow to the Vikings’ offense ahead of a crucial late-season matchup.
With McCarthy unavailable, backup quarterback Max Brosmer is expected to make his second start of the season. The undrafted rookie stepped in late against the Giants in Week 16 and helped guide the Vikings to a 16–13 victory. However, Brosmer will now face a much tougher test against a motivated Detroit Lions team fighting for postseason positioning.
Brosmer will be looking to rebound from his rough first career start earlier this season against the Seattle Seahawks, as he prepares to lead the Vikings under the spotlight in Week 17.
As injuries continue to pile up, Minnesota’s depth will be tested once again as they attempt to close out the season strong against their NFC North rivals.
