DETROIT — The highly anticipated return of J.J. McCarthy reinstilled hope into a Vikings campaign that seemed to be lost.

After missing the past month and a half with a high ankle sprain, the young quarterback was finally back under center for Minnesota against the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, and somehow, some way, he helped captain an improbable 27-24 upset win.

On the most important play of the game, McCarthy uncorked a perfect back shoulder fade to receiver Jalen Nailor, who made a twisting grab amid blanketed coverage to put the game on ice. In the immediate aftermath, McCarthy took a couple knees, and the Vikings walked off the field with a huge win to put themselves right back in the conversation in the NFC North.

It was an impressive performance from McCarthy

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