Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has entered concussion protocol following a 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers, raising concerns about his availability for the team’s Week 13 matchup. The second-year signal caller reported symptoms during the team flight back to Minnesota, prompting head coach Kevin O’Connell to confirm his placement in protocol. McCarthy, who was the 10th overall pick in the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has struggled with consistency this season after missing much of the 2024 season due to a high-ankle sprain and a torn meniscus in his rookie year.
If McCarthy is cleared to play in Week 13, he will look to rebound after a rough performance against the Packers, where he completed just 54.1% of his passes for 87 yards with two interceptions and five sacks. His latest struggles mark a continuation of a challenging season for the Vikings, who are now 4-7 after a 14-3 campaign with Sam Darnold at the helm last season. The team’s struggles have also led to the potential emergence of undrafted rookie Max Brosmer as the next quarterback to take over for McCarthy.
McCarthy’s season has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, with his recent game against the Packers highlighting the difficulties he faces. After missing five consecutive games following a high-ankle sprain, he returned under center but has yet to find his rhythm. His performance in the loss to the Packers has sparked criticism, with McCarthy stating, “I’ve got to be better,” after the game. The Vikings are now looking to turn things around as they face their former quarterback, Sam Darnold, in a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
The team’s struggles have extended beyond the field, with Packers players taunting the Vikings following a game-sealing interception. These incidents have added to the team’s woes, further emphasizing the challenges they face this season. With McCarthy’s future uncertain, the Vikings may be forced to rely on Brosmer, who has yet to prove himself as a starter, but is poised to step up in the absence of a reliable option.
As the Vikings prepare for their next game, the question of whether McCarthy can recover and return to form looms large. The team’s fate now rests on the shoulders of their young quarterback and his ability to bounce back from a difficult season. In the meantime, the Vikings are hoping for a turnaround as they look to escape their current losing streak and avoid further setbacks in what has already been a rollercoaster season.