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Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy took selfies with Lions fans ahead of Sunday's game between Minnesota and Detroit.Fox Sports shared the video on X.Fans reacted to the clip, with many finding the interaction wholesome."Begging them not to boo him lol #OnePride," a fan wrote.TheGreyManes @TheGreyManesLINK@NFLonFOX Begging them not to boo him lol #OnePride"This is really cool. Mutual love," another fan wrote."Let's show em 9," a fan said."JJ just made this a home game," one fan commented.Some fans lightheartedly pointed to the oddity of the interaction."Socializing with the opps 💀," another fan commented."Wrong fans dude," a fan tweeted.The Lions are hosting the Vikings at Ford Field. Detroit is 5-2, while Minnesota is 3-4 and desperate for a spark.McCarthy, sidelined since Week 2 due to a high-ankle sprain, is reclaiming the starting role this week. He has shown flashes of promise in his NFL debut, including a remarkable fourth-quarter rally. McCarthy also carries the baggage of early-career rust and injury.For the Lions, containing McCarthy's dual-threat ability and limiting big plays by Justin Jefferson are key strategic points.Meanwhile, Minnesota must overcome its recent struggles, protect the young quarterback and show it can compete on the road.Kevin O’Connell on J.J. McCarthy's returnMinnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Saturday that J.J. McCarthy will return as the team’s starting quarterback against the Detroit Lions. The decision came after Carson Wentz was ruled out for the season due to shoulder surgery.McCarthy began the season as the starter but suffered an ankle injury in Week 2. He struggled early in his rookie campaign, leaving O’Connell to rely on Wentz. With Wentz unavailable, the Vikings are turning back to McCarthy, who has played only one solid quarter this year.However, O’Connell expressed confidence in his young quarterback.“He had a really good week of practice. His teammates are really excited to get him back in that huddle,” O’Connell said on Saturday, via the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.Minnesota faces a difficult challenge against Detroit, as it features one of the league’s most potent offenses. Sunday’s game will mark McCarthy’s third career start and a key test for his development.
