After a brutal game in Green Bay, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has found himself in concussion protocol, adding to the woes of a team already reeling from a three-game losing streak. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy would be in the protocol this week, citing symptoms reported during the team flight back to Minnesota following the 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has struggled when he’s been on the field. After missing his entire rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus, he has faced a rollercoaster season, with just six games played this year after a high-ankle sprain in Week 2. The team’s recent loss to the Packers saw McCarthy throw for 87 yards on 12-of-19 passing with two interceptions, while being sacked five times. His performance has led to calls for improvement, as he recently told reporters, “I’ve got to be better.”
If McCarthy is unable to play on Sunday, it will be undrafted rookie Max Brosmer taking over as the starter. Brosmer had previously moved to the bench when Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending shoulder injury earlier in the season. The Vikings now stand at 4-7, a stark contrast to their 14-3 record last season with Sam Darnold at the helm. Darnold, who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, will face his former team in Week 13, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup. Meanwhile, McCarthy’s season has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, with a record of six touchdowns and 10 interceptions over six games, and just 54.1% completion rate.
The Packers’ dominance in the matchup was underscored by their game-sealing interception, which further dented the Vikings’ morale. The Packers’ players also taunted the Vikings following the game, highlighting the emotional toll on the team. As the Vikings look to regroup, the uncertainty around McCarthy’s status and the potential benching of Brosmer could have significant implications for the remainder of the season.