EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings are deciding on their quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. While they haven’t officially ruled out J.J. McCarthy, team sources say he likely won’t play. Instead, Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie, is expected to start.
McCarthy showed signs of a concussion after Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers and is now in concussion protocol. Coach Kevin O’Connell has been cautious. He knows it’s crucial to think about McCarthy’s long-term health. The Vikings usually wait longer before letting players return after entering the protocol.
“It’s definitely not ideal,” O’Connell said about McCarthy’s situation. This 22-year-old quarterback was the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2024, but he’s had a tough start. He missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus. Then, in Week 2 of this season, he suffered a high ankle sprain against the Atlanta Falcons, sidelining him for five games. During his recovery, McCarthy worked on his mechanics with O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, hoping improvements would stick.
After a hopeful win against the Detroit Lions, things turned downhill. The Vikings have lost three straight, and McCarthy’s performance has been disappointing. Statistically, he ranks near the bottom among quarterbacks since 2000, just ahead of the infamous JaMarcus Russell. His adjustment to the NFL speed has been rough, particularly with his accuracy when throwing to his left—a struggle he faced in college at Michigan.
On the other hand, Brosmer may be a rookie, but he has impressed the Vikings coaching staff. They believe he can handle a big game plan and read the field well. Taking on the Seahawks’ defense will be challenging, but he has a low bar to clear, given the team’s offensive struggles lately.
“Ton of confidence in Max,” O’Connell noted. “He shows up every day ready to work.”
This situation reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where rookie quarterbacks often face immense pressure and scrutiny. A report from the NFL Players Association suggests that over 50% of rookie quarterbacks struggle significantly in their first season. Many factors can contribute, including injuries and the difficulty of transitioning from college to the fast-paced NFL.
While fans await game day, the pressure mounts for both McCarthy and Brosmer. How they handle their challenges will likely shape the Vikings’ future.
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Minnesota Vikings, NFL
