JJ McCarthy's Season in Jeopardy: Vikings' QB Faces Long Recovery After Brutal Hit | Sports Update

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy's season may be over after he suffered a potentially serious injury to his right throwing hand during Sunday's game against the New York Giants. McCarthy was forced to leave the game late in the first half after taking a violent hit from unblocked pass rusher Brian Burns, which led to a fumble and a touchdown for the Giants. The 22-year-old rookie quarterback, who had already been dealing with injuries this season, including a concussion and a sprained ankle, was escorted off the field by trainers and did not return. Rookie backup Max Brosmer took his place and closed out the half. The Vikings, who are already out of postseason contention, may need to look to their backup quarterback for the remainder of the season. However, there is also speculation about the team's potential interest in Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for next season. While a trade for Burrow seems highly unlikely, given his massive contract and no-trade clause, it has sparked a discussion about whether the Vikings could make the numbers work. According to reports, Burrow's contract is structured with heavy bonuses, making his 2026 base salary relatively modest at $25.2 million. If the Vikings were to acquire him, they would likely be on the hook for around $35 million in 2026, including guaranteed money and a roster bonus. The Bengals would also face financial pain if they were to trade Burrow, with roughly $56.5 million in dead cap charges. However, a hypothetical scenario where Burrow demands a move to Minnesota raises the question of whether the Vikings could realistically absorb his contract. For now, the focus remains on McCarthy's recovery and the team's plans for the remainder of the season.