Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s first game after his injury ended on a successful note. On Sunday, he helped the Minnesota Vikings secure a 27-24 victory on the road against the Detroit Lions. This win also helped bring an end to this team’s two-game losing streak.

In the post-game press conference, J.J. McCarthy shed a tear while opening up about dealing with the post-game locker room emotions. He highlighted how his teammates gave him a warm reception and welcome after missing five games due to an ankle injury.

“Just, it was awesome,” McCarthy said while choking up. “When you’re hurt, you know, being on IR last year and you know, for five weeks, it absolutely kills me not being out there with those guys cause I love every single one of them. And I know they got my back and I got theirs.”

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McCarthy ended the game completing 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards and three total touchdowns. On the other hand, Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 25 of 37 passes for 284 yards and two passing touchdowns.

The Vikings quarterback missed his entire rookie campaign last season due to a season-ending injury. J.J. McCarthy was then named as the team’s QB1 before the start of the season.

However, after his ankle injury in Week 2, Kevin O’Connell brought in Carson Wentz as his replacement. Under the veteran quarterback, the team put up a 3-4 record.

Following last week’s loss to the Chargers, Wentz was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. He had tallied a total of 1,216 yards and six TDs passing.