McCarthy, who left last week's matchup against the New York Giants, suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand (throwing hand). Backup quarterback Max Brosmer will get the start.
The 22-year-old McCarthy has had a rough go at it this season, tossing 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with only 1,624 total yards through nine games.
His hand fracture is just another on a growing list of injuries during his first full season as the Vikings' starting QB. He missed five games already due to a high-ankle sprain and also sustained a concussion.
Even dating back to 2024, when he missed his entire rookie year after tearing his meniscus, McCarthy hasn't had a stroke of luck when it comes to staying healthy.
He threw for 108 yards and an interception and ran for 20 yards and a touchdown before Brosmer was substituted in for him to finish out the 16-13 win.
Bosmer will be making his second career start as the undrafted rookie out of Minnesota can hopefully end the Vikings' season on a high note after already being eliminated from playoff contention.
The game against Detroit has serious implications for a Lions team clinging to any bit of hope they have. They would need to win out their final two games against the Vikings and Chicago Bears, both of which are road games, while also needing the Green Bay Packers to lose both of their games.
Green Bay will be squaring off on Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens, then will head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in the final game of the season.