What Is J.J. McCarthy's Injury Timeline to Return to Vikings amid Concussion Protocol?

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters on Monday that quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol following Sunday's 23-6 loss against the Green Bay Packers.

It remains to be seen if he'll be cleared for the team's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks and former quarterback Sam Darnold on Sunday.

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Injuries have been the primary storyline of McCarthy's career since the Vikings selected him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He lost his entire rookie season to a torn meniscus and only made two appearances to start the 2025 campaign before a high-ankle sprain cost him five games.

He returned in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, telling reporters before that game that he was feeling "like myself again" and that the midseason injury layoff provided "a little bit of a reset."

McCarthy had been the emergency third quarterback in two games before his return, with Carson Wentz operating as the starter and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer serving as the backup.

"At the end of the day, it was still a couple things where it felt like my foot was in concrete," McCarthy told reporters while discussing why he didn't return sooner. "You just don't want to be in that position. ... Not being able to move the way I want to and protect myself was the biggest concern."

For the Vikings, the concern now is that McCarthy can't seem to avoid injuries. With Wentz done for the season due to a torn labrum and fractured left shoulder socket, Brosmer will step into the starting role if McCarthy misses any time, while veteran John Wolford will likely be activated from the practice squad.

But the 4-7 Vikings would surely prefer if McCarthy, drafted to be their next franchise quarterback, is available to face the Seahawks.