In eschewing Daniel Jones, Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers this spring, the Vikings decided: Our roster is talented enough to win with McCarthy whether or not we win because of him, especially initially.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy was chosen by NFL icon Tom Brady as the Player of the Game after beating the Detroit Lions.

With McCarthy finally making his return, the Vikings received huge injury news that is great for the young signal caller’s return. NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed inactives and actives for teams heading into Week 9, and the Vikings received some huge updates on two players that the team desperately needs.

Kevin O’Connell gave J.J. McCarthy a quizzical look when he saw his first-year quarterback wear a blue-collared shirt ahead of the Minnesota Vikings’ Week

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy breaks contain and outraces the Detroit Lions defense to the end zone.

After the win, McCarthy talked about how much he appreciated the love from his Vikings teammates in the postgame locker room. The Vikings rallying around their hopeful franchise quarterback clearly struck a chord with McCarthy, who choked up in a heartfelt moment:

The jury remained very much out on McCarthy prior to his Week 2 ankle injury. Sunday was a big step in the right direction for the second-year Vikings quarterback.