Vikings Face Quarterback Dilemma as J.J. McCarthy Enters Concussion Protocol
J.J. McCarthy’s availability for the Minnesota Vikings’ crucial Week 13 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks is uncertain after he was placed in concussion protocol on Sunday night. The decision came after McCarthy reported symptoms during the team’s return trip home, prompting an immediate evaluation.
Coach’s Insight on the Situation
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided insight into the situation during a press conference on Monday. “Over the course of our travel home, he reported some symptoms in regards to his head,” O’Connell explained. Following the evaluation and tests conducted by the training staff and medical team, the decision was made to place the young quarterback in the protocol. “He’ll go through that process this week,” he added, highlighting the team’s careful approach to player safety.
While McCarthy was present at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, participating in team meetings, O’Connell indicated that he had not yet received an update regarding the quarterback’s condition. The coach noted the difficulty in pinpointing a specific hit that might have caused McCarthy’s symptoms. “There was not one particular hit. Looking into it, as we all will, it had to be late, based upon how the game went,” he said. However, as of now, McCarthy himself could not identify a specific moment that led to his current status.
Preparing for Contingencies
Should McCarthy be unable to suit up on Sunday, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is poised to take the reins as the starting quarterback. O’Connell expressed confidence in Brosmer, who has been preparing diligently. “Max would take those reps, but with how the practice week is going to go, with Thanksgiving and things like that, there’s a timeline there,” O’Connell noted. He emphasized that the ultimate decision regarding McCarthy’s status will rely on medical professionals, both from within the team and independent sources. Once they assess the situation later in the week, the Vikings will make a football decision based on preparation and practice performance.
“Max has shown up every single day and responds well under pressure,” O’Connell remarked, referring to Brosmer’s readiness. As a former starting quarterback for the Minnesota Gophers, Brosmer has been “a snap away” from the starting role since Carson Wentz was placed on injured reserve.
Challenges for McCarthy
This latest development marks yet another hurdle for McCarthy, who has faced significant challenges in his young career. He missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus that required surgery and has already missed five games this season due to a severe high ankle sprain. O’Connell reflected on the unfortunate nature of McCarthy’s setbacks, stating, “It’s definitely not ideal. That phrase can be applied to several stops on the journey so far, early on for him, and it’s unfortunate because all you really want to do is go back to work.”
As the Vikings prepare for their important meeting with the Seahawks, the team is left navigating uncertainty at the quarterback position, keenly aware that every moment counts in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
