It’s still unclear if quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be available for the Vikings when they host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium.

After missing the 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions on Christmas due to a hairline fracture in his right hand, McCarthy’s swelling has gone down as he’s responded well to treatment. That said, head coach Kevin O’Connell would not give a definitive update regarding McCarthy’s availability for this weekend.

“He’s progressing,” O’Connell said. “It’s going to be about working throughout it this week and seeing what his grip strength is like.”

That will be determined this week based on how McCarthy looks in practice as the Vikings prepare for the Packers. If he shows he’s capable of throwing the ball at a high level, he will get the nod under center. If he shows he can’t do some of the basics required of him, he will cede the position to somebody else.

“It’s going to be about making sure we can get him at least comfortable enough to maybe get some work,” O’Connell said. “It’ll be purely about that grip strength and where we can get him to.”

Though conventional wisdom would suggest that rookie quarterback Max Brosmer would be the next man up for the Vikings, O’Connell didn’t necessarily commit to him as the starter if McCarthy isn’t able to go.

The other options on the roster include veteran quarterback John Wolford, who has experience working with O’Connell, as well as veteran quarterback Brett Rypien, who was claimed off waivers as insurance.

“I’m kind of looking at from a standpoint of, ‘Let’s see where J.J. is at and then we’ll get Max ready to go,’” O’Connell said. “At the same time we want to make sure we have all those guys prepared.”

It’s no secret that this season has been a roller coaster for McCarthy as he’s struggled to adapt to the speed of the NFL. He’s only completed 57.3% of his passes for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He’s also missed a number of games with a variety of injuries, including a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and most recently, a broken hand.

The steady stream of starts and stops have made it hard for O’Connell to get a clear picture of where McCarthy is at in his development. That’s why it would it would be a major boost if McCarthy is able to make the 10th start of his career this weekend when the Vikings host the Packers.

“I’d love to get him another game for sure,” O’Connell said. “We’re in that wildly significant time, where reps and experience and another home game at U.S. Bank Stadium, all of those things are important.”

Briefly

It doesn’t sound like rookie receiver Myles Price (ankle) and rookie defensive tackle Elijah Williams (ankle) will be available for the Vikings against the Packers. It’s up in the air for running back Aaron Jones (ankle), running back Jordan Mason (ankle), tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), and right tackle Brian O’Neill (heel).

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