The Vikings' NFL Week just went from bad to worse. Just as they were trying to move past a tough loss in Green Bay, a new concern emerged. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was placed in the concussion protocol. This could change everything heading into Sunday’s matchup with Seattle. Let’s break down what happened and why the Vikings are on high alert.

After McCarthy started experiencing symptoms on the team’s flight home from their 23–6 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings placed him on concussion protocol.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said J.J. McCarthy couldn’t point to one specific play that caused the issue. "It’s definitely not ideal. And really, that phrase can be applied to several stops on the journey so far, early on for him." It may not be a surprise since the Packers sacked him five times in the fourth quarter.

This concussion scare is just the latest bump in what has been a rough journey for J.J. McCarthy. The former 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has barely had the chance to settle in. He lost his entire rookie season to a torn meniscus, then missed five games earlier this year with a high ankle sprain, and later fought through a bruised hand.

When he has been on the field, the results haven’t been great. In six starts this season, he’s thrown 10 interceptions, completed just 54.1% of his passes, and struggled to string together any consistent rhythm.

Sunday’s game against Green Bay was another tough outing: 12 completions on 19 attempts, only 87 passing yards, two interceptions, and those five sacks. The Vikings, sitting at 4–7 and last in the NFC North, now face even more instability at the most important position on the field.

However, there's one positive update about J.J. McCarthy's condition. O'Connell explained, "He’s here today in the building. We’ll update you guys as we go." Although that means he could be back by Week 14, the Vikings still need a solution for their upcoming game. Let's see what that will be.

J.J. McCarthy Injury Could Give a Young Player His First NFL Start

Rookie Max Brosmer steps into the spotlight this week, taking first-team snaps in practice. If the situation doesn’t improve, Brosmer could be looking at his first NFL start. And with veteran Carson Wentz already done for the year following shoulder surgery, the Vikings’ depth chart is paper-thin, leaving John Wolford as the only other available quarterback.

As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on McCarthy’s progress through the protocol. O’Connell hasn’t ruled him out for Sunday, but the message is clear: they’ll let the process run its course. For now, the Vikings wait, hoping their young quarterback catches a break in a season where he’s had anything but.

What do you think, should the Vikings give Brosmer a chance to start, or is it worth waiting in hopes McCarthy clears protocol in time?

Written by

Mohd Mudabbir Ansari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar