J.J. McCarthy downplays Justin Jefferson’s 53-yard chase to 1,000 entering Week 18

J.J. McCarthy did not make a big deal about his receiver's potential milestone. The Vikings quarterback responded to questions about Justin Jefferson reaching four figures in yardage for the sixth straight year.

McCarthy is coming back from a fractured throwing hand that sidelined him during Minnesota's victory over Detroit on Christmas. Jefferson is 53 yards away from recording 1,000 this season.

McCarthy met with the media on Wednesday after returning to the practice field. He shared his take on what Jefferson closing in on the mark means to him.

"Yeah, I mean, it's tremendous and you gotta pinch yourself because a guy like that sitting next to you every single day, he's already achieved so much," McCarthy said. "But you know, it's just scratching the surface to what he's, you know, capable of.

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"And, you know, there's so many great years ahead of them, so many great games, a lot more yards to be had. So 53 is important, but you know, we're just focused on that first snap."

Jefferson passed Randy Moss in Week 17 for most yards by a Viking through six seasons. He has 8,379 yards and broke the Hall of Famer's mark of 8,375.

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J.J. McCarthy's availability for Packers game remains unclear

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants - Source: Imagn

The Vikings haven't committed to starting J.J. McCarthy in Sunday's finale at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kevin O'Connell said the quarterback must prove he can handle the ball before getting cleared.

McCarthy threw on Tuesday on an off day for the team before working out on Wednesday. The ball came loose from his hand against the Giants on a screen play, forcing him out of the Week 16 matchup.

"The ball was spinning, we'll take it day to day," McCarthy said. "You never want to pass up an opportunity to play in a game like this."

McCarthy has won five of nine starts but has sat out seven games. An ankle injury, a concussion and a fractured hand have sidelined him.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez