Vikings Announce Unfortunate J.J. McCarthy Development on Wednesday
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.
NFL Legend Jon Batiste Unexpectedly Defends Geno Smith Amid Intense Backlash: “What’s Happening to Geno Smith Is an Injustice to Football” – His Statement Immediately Sends Raiders Nation Into an Uproar
Las Vegas, Nevada – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Geno Smith’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. Renowned musician Jon Batiste, a figure not typically associated with the Las Vegas Raiders, has become an unlikely champion for Smith at a time when the veteran signal-caller's future with the Raiders hangs in the balance.
Smith, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of Raiders fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the Raiders back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Smith’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Smith’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Jon Batiste, the larger-than-life musician who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Smith, Batiste expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Geno Smith is an injustice to football,” Batiste declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this man has battled back from the brink of obscurity, proven himself time and time again, and now faces unjust scrutiny. You don’t judge a warrior just because he’s faced setbacks.”
Batiste’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Smith from Raiders fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Batiste for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Smith’s resilience, his journey from backup to Pro Bowler, and his unwavering commitment to the Raiders’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Batiste’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Smith’s return, his injury, and the team’s playoff hopes, Batiste’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with Raiders Nation rallying behind Smith, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and leadership.
As Batiste aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Smith’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Smith’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The Raiders will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Batiste’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Batiste’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of Raiders Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Geno Smith. The rest, as they say, will be history.
