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Vikings eliminated from playoffs before taking the field against Cowboys

Vikings eliminated from playoffs before taking the field against Cowboys | iNFOnews.ca
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before taking the field for their game at the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

The Vikings have alternated between making and missing the playoffs in four seasons under coach Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota lost in the wild-card round after going 13-4 in 2022, O’Connell’s first year, and 14-3 in 2024.

Minnesota started 3-2 before losing six of seven games after its open week. The Vikings stopped a four-game losing streak with a 31-0 victory over Washington last week that ended up being too little, too late.

J.J. McCarthy is in his first season as the starting quarterback after his rookie year was wiped out by a torn meniscus in his right knee. Injuries have marred this season as well, including a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games.

The Vikings beat NFC North rival Detroit to even their record at 4-4 in McCarthy’s return on Nov. 2 before losing the next four. McCarthy struggled through the losing streak before throwing a season-best three touchdown passes and going without a turnover for the first time against the Commanders.

Minnesota chose to stick with McCarthy after his promising 2024 preseason, even though a breakout year from Sam Darnold resulted in a playoff trip. The Vikings let Darnold go to Seattle in free agency.

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