India, Dec. 26 -- As the Minnesota Vikings take on the Detroit Lions in the Christmas Day NFL fixture on Thursday night, they are without their star quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. In his stead, backup quarterback Max Brosmer, will take over the throwing duties for the Vikings.

Though McCarthy's absence is a big blow to the Vikings, the Week 17 game is potentially inconsequential, as the Vikings are already out of playoff contention this season. McCarthy has thrown for 1,450 yards with 11 touchdowns this season, coupled with 12 interceptions.

Bosmer, meanwhile, has featured only intermittently in six games for the Vikings (before the Week 17 clash vs the Lions). The rookie QB has only 220 yards of passing with no touchdowns.

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