Vikings’ QB Takes Major Step Forward in Concussion Protocol

Unlike some of the more recent buttkickings endured this season by the Minnesota Vikings, starting quarterback JJ McCarthy watched his team get whalloped in street clothes from the sideline Sunday afternoon at Lumen Stadium in Seattle.

Not only was it the MN Vikings’ first shutout loss since 2007, it also dropped them to 4-8 on the season, unofficially ending any last hopes they had of reaching the postseason.

MN Vikings learn (another) unfortunate QB lesson

But what happened yesterday against the Seahawks hit a bit different than even the ugliest of the seven losses that came before it, something that was clear after the 0-26 road failure, when multiple team “leaders” denied requests to speak with media.

Possibly even worse than anything we learned about the Vikings, as a whole, in Seattle… was the knowledge we seemingly garnered on their 24-year-old backup QB, out of the University of Minnesota, Max Brosmer — who was historically bad in his NFL debut.

Minnesota Vikings QB Max Brosmer completed more passes to the Seahawks defense (4) than he did to Justin Jefferson (2) 😭 pic.twitter.com/7YT48jMAaC

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 1, 2025

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The former Gopher completed 19 of 30 passes for 126 yards, 0 touchdowns and 4 interceptions — inarguably one of the worst statistical performances in Minnesota Vikings franchise history — an outing so horrid that it has pushed many fans back toward another run of starts for JJ McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy nearly clear of concussion protocol

Well, head coach Kevin O’Connell took to his regularly scheduled podium meet-up with reporters Monday, and brought good news for all listening. As of earlier this morning, JJ McCarthy is symptom free, after suffering a concussion week 12 against the Packers.

If the McCarthy is fully cleared for practice on Wednesday, the 22-year-old is expected to be released from concussion protocol and be available for the Minnesota Vikings week 14, at home, against the Washington Commanders.

O’Connell says J.J. McCarthy is symptom-free. Needs to go through a full day of practice (the first opportunity being Wednesday) to officially clear concussion protocol.

— emily leiker (@emleiker) December 1, 2025

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After many (myself very much included) got the Brosmer hype train rolling at semi-high speeds, leading up to his debut, Max had Vikings fans praying for the return of that Michigan hero they all tried to forgot about last week, if only momentarily.

Through his first six NFL starts, JJ McCarthy wasn’t much better than the guy who replaced him in Seattle. The 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick has completed 54.1% of his passes (86/159) so far this season, throwing for a total of 929 yards, 6 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, including six in his last three appearances.

Minnesota Vikings failing their young QBs and fans right now

Given the unrealistic expectations those in the organization set leading up to JJ McCarthy’s debut season, everyone involved in the Minnesota Vikings’ decision-making process last offseason should be embarrassed with how the 2025 season has played out.

At this point, they have no choice but to pour everything they have into developing JJ McCarthy, so they can try to salvage something positive out of the most difficult year of Kevin O’Connell’s tenure.