J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings couldn’t get it done in Week 10, falling to 4-5 on the 2025 NFL season after a 27-19 loss to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Now, McCarthy and the Vikings will look to get back on track in Week 11 as they remain in Minneapolis to host Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears in an NFC North showdown.
McCarthy has now appeared in four games this season, including each of the last two. In Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, he returned after missing five weeks with a high ankle sprain he suffered in Week 2, during which Carson Wentz filled in. In his limited action, the former Michigan quarterback has struggled, completing 58-of-108 passes for 692 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions.
But in the third quarter against the Ravens, McCarthy injured his right hand when he struck a defender’s helmet on a pass attempt. He was able to finish the game, but as the team began preparing for the upcoming matchup with the Bears, McCarthy was seen with a bandage on the injured hand.
“Also, J.J. McCarthy will have a bandage today on his right hand, per Kevin O’Connell, after hitting it on a helmet Sunday,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote on X. “It is not expected to impact his week of prep ‘very much,’ O’Connell said, and he remains set to play Sunday vs. the Bears.”
While McCarthy isn’t expected to miss time with his new injury, the Vikings are still taking extra precautions, ruling him as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.
In an emotional moment that has captured the attention of the college football world, JJ McCarthy has provided an update on the health of Colorado Buffaloes head coach after he was hospitalized due to a serious medical complication earlier this week. The normally private JJ McCarthy took to the media to reassure the football community, acknowledging that his father, mentor, and the face of the program is now “stable” after undergoing crucial treatment and continues to be closely monitored by medical professionals.
JJ McCarthy, who typically keeps family matters private, made the decision to speak out in order to keep fans and the community informed during this challenging time. His voice calm but heavy with emotion, JJ McCarthy shared that his father’s recovery is progressing, and while the situation remains serious, he remains optimistic.
“This is the toughest time I’ve ever been through,” JJ McCarthy admitted. “But I want everyone to know that my dad is fighting like he always does. He’s been through a lot in his life, and this time is no different. He’s a warrior, and he’s staying strong.”
The sudden hospitalization of the coach—who is the heart and soul of the Buffaloes program—has left the entire team in shock. Players, coaches, and the Colorado community immediately rallied behind the family, sending messages of support, organizing prayer sessions, and putting up banners of encouragement throughout the campus. Even other NCAA schools have expressed their well wishes for the iconic head coach.
“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone,” JJ McCarthy said. “The messages, the prayers, the love you’ve shown to my dad and our family have helped me stay strong during this time. You’ve shown me that football is not just a game. It’s a community, it’s about people, it’s about unity.”
Despite the personal difficulties, JJ McCarthy confirmed that he remains focused on leading the Buffaloes’ offense. He shared that his father—a man who embodies strength and determination—would want him to continue pushing forward on the field and not let outside challenges affect the spirit of the team.
The inside sources from the team have confirmed that the head coach will take a temporary break to fully recover, while assistants and the management team will take over coaching duties for the time being. Though there is no confirmed timeline for his return, JJ McCarthy’s resilience has brought renewed hope.
“I believe my dad will come back,” JJ McCarthy said confidently. “He’s a fighter. He never backs down.”
As the Colorado community continues to await positive news, JJ McCarthy’s heartfelt statement has become a source of inspiration for the entire team—a reminder that behind every game are real-life challenges, love, and immense strength.