DETROIT (AP) — J.J. McCarthy was hailed by teammates in a jubilant locker room after leading the Minnesota Vikings to a much-needed, 27-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

“It was awesome,” McCarthy said, choking up. “When you’re hurt, being on IR last year, and being out for five weeks, it absolutely kills me not being out there with those guys because I love every single one of them.

“I know they got my back — and I’ve got theirs — the rest of the way.”

The Vikings (4-4) suddenly have some more hope for this season after losing two straight and three of four, bouncing back behind their second-year quarterback after a high-ankle sprain that stunted his season. McCarthy didn’t play as a rookie because of a knee injury.

McCarthy threw two touchdown passes, ran for a score and seale

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