The Minnesota Vikings quarterback has been put on a “concussion protocol” for the week 13 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks and is expected to sit out of the game on Sunday.
The ex-Michigan star, J.J. McCarthy has been dealing with injuries since the start of his career. He missed the entire 2024 rookie season due to an injury sustained in a preseason game and has had just six starts in the 2025 season.
Minnesota Vikings J.J. McCarthy
Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws downfield during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
McCarthy faced his third injury of the year during the Lions showdown. The first one took place in week 2, followed by a bruised right hand in Week 10.
The Vikings have had a difficult year so far, with the team sitting at an overall record of 4-7, as McCarthy’s performance hasn’t been up to the mark, with just a 24.9 QBR after six starts.
Talking about McCarthy’s situation, analyst Mike Florio blamed the Vikings for putting too much pressure on the No.10 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft.
“I’m not making excuses for McCarthy. This is an indictment of the Vikings’ lack of strategic thinking they have created. There’s already enough pressure when you’re the 10th overall pick in the draft.
“Rookie year, greater urgency to prove yourself. They let the guy who went 14-3 go, greater urgency. Daniel Jones, let him go. Greater urgency. Aaron Rodgers? No, thank you. All-time great, no thank you. Greater urgency. So to the extent that trying too hard, thinking too much, it’s a product of the circumstances, and they created those circumstances. And if you’re a Vikings fan — and I’m almost not anymore — but if you’re a Vikings fan, the thing that should dismay you the most is the lack of a vision short-term and long-term, and an understanding of how these factors are going to come together and dump a crapload of pressure on this kid.”
Florio further said he is not making any excuses for McCarthy, but said that the situation at the Vikings would be difficult for any young, unproven quarterback out there.
If McCarthy doesn’t play against the Seahawks, undrafted rookie QB Max Brosmer will serve as the QB1 with the veteran John Wolford as the backup.
Read more – “Justin Jefferson Jumped on Him”: NFL Fans React As J.J. McCarthy Surprisingly Enters Concussion Protocol After Poor Outing vs. Packers
Dan Orlovsky highlights a problem with J.J. McCarthy
During his latest appearance on the Pat McAfee show on Tuesday, analyst Dan Orlovsky dissected J.J. McCarthy’s situation and said that there is definitely some overthinking involved.
Orvolsky further shared that he believes McCarthy is in a stuck place, which is not a fun one to be in for a quarterback. He also added that the Vikings are not giving up on him, but due to his health issues and his lack of availability, the franchise will have to bring in a high-end competitor to their roster.
“JJ McCarthy is definitely overthinking everything right now and it’s not a fun place to be as a Quarterback.” Orlovsky said.
Read more – Watch: Micah Parsons Bends J.J. McCarthy In Half With Viral Sack as Packers Dominate Vikings
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