Injury-Stricken Vikings Face Uncertain Quarterback Future as McCarthy Enters Protocol

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has entered the NFL concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following Sunday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Monday that McCarthy’s status for the upcoming game in Seattle is uncertain.

Backup quarterback Max Brosmer will take first-team reps until McCarthy clears the protocol. O’Connell emphasized full transparency and said the team will defer to medical staff for all decisions regarding McCarthy.

McCarthy Faces Multiple Injuries and Struggles Amid Vikings’ High-Profile Quarterback Decisions

This marks the third injury for McCarthy in his challenging first season as the Vikings’ starter. He previously suffered a high right ankle sprain in Week 2 and a bruised right hand in Week 10. His most recent symptoms arose during what was statistically his worst performance of the season, completing 12 of 19 passes for 87 yards, throwing two interceptions, and being sacked five times in the Packers game.

McCarthy currently ranks at the bottom of the NFL in multiple quarterback metrics, including QBR (24.8), completion percentage (54.1%), and touchdown-to-interception ratio (0.6). The Vikings chose McCarthy as their starter after not retaining Sam Darnold, who now ranks sixth in QBR with the Seahawks, and after declining to re-sign Daniel Jones or pursue Aaron Rodgers. These decisions have placed McCarthy under significant scrutiny amid his injury setbacks.

McCarthy’s Injuries Stall Development While Brosmer Prepares to Take Starting Role

If McCarthy misses Sunday’s game, he will have played only six games this season, the same number as he has missed, following a full missed rookie year in 2024 due to a torn meniscus. O’Connell acknowledged that the setbacks have hindered McCarthy’s development and described the season as “not ideal.” He also emphasized the team’s support for McCarthy’s recovery and growth.

Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who played at New Hampshire and Minnesota, has risen to the No. 2 quarterback role following Carson Wentz’s season-ending surgery. O’Connell praised Brosmer’s accuracy, quick decision-making, and “veteran-level” field vision. If Brosmer starts Sunday, he will become the Vikings’ seventh starting quarterback since Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury in 2023. Veteran John Wolford would likely serve as his backup.