J.J. McCarthy has been placed in concussion protocol by the Minnesota Vikings. The second-year quarterback reported symptoms on the team’s flight back to the Twin Cities following a disastrous display by the Vikings in a 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
Asked for more details about the situation on Monday afternoon at TCO Performance Center, Kevin O’Connell said he couldn’t pinpoint a particular play that might have led to McCarthy having symptoms.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We’re looking into it,” O’Connell said. “It had to be late in the game based upon how the game went.”
The performance from McCarthy featured more growing pains as he completed 12 of 19 passes for 87 yards while being intercepted twice. He also was sacked a handful of times in the loss, including twice by Micah Parsons, who took over the game with his pass rushing ability, and twice by Devonte Wyatt.
If McCarthy doesn’t clear the concussion protocol, Max Brosmer would be in line to be the starter for the Vikings against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon at Lumen Field. The former Gophers quarterback been the backup for the Vikings ever since Carson Wentz was placed on injured reserve.
In the scenario that Brosmer gets the start, it’s likely the Vikings would elevate John Wolford from the practice squad to be the backup.
____________________________________
This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here.
Asked if the Vikings will move forward with the assumption that Brosmer will be the starter, O’Connell noted that it was too early to make that determination. Though the status of McCarthy is still very much up in the air, he could theoretically clear concussion protocol if he meets the necessary requirements.
“I do think it’s important for everybody to know that there is total transparency,” O’Connell said. “I’m going to totally, totally defer to the medical staff and the professionals on that.”
This is the latest setback for McCarthy in what’s been a tumultuous start to his career since being drafted out of the University of Michigan. After suffering a torn meniscus as a rookie that cost him all of last season, McCarthy also navigated a high ankle sprain that forced him to miss a month and a half this season.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It’s definitely not ideal,” O’Connell said. “That phrase can be applied to several stops on the journey so far early on for him.”
As the Vikings wait for McCarthy to clear concussion protocol, O’Connell confirmed Brosmer would take the reps with the first team in practice.
After signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Minnesota, Brosmer has steadily made a name for himself as somebody who can be relied upon regardless of where he’s at on the depth chart.
“I think we all have a lot of confidence in Max,” O’Connell said. “I know Max will prepare like crazy like he does every week. He has been a snap away here since Carson went on IR. I know he feels very much prepared if called upon.”
____________________________________
This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here.