What Is J.J. McCarthy's Injury Status for Vikings vs. Seahawks After Concussion?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters McCarthy could not clear the concussion protocol, giving undrafted rookie Max Brosmer his first NFL start.

O'Connell announced McCarthy entered the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following the Vikings' 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Even before the news of McCarthy's concussion-like symptoms, fans were beginning to call for a quarterback change, which says everything about how the 2024 first-round pick has performed.

McCarthy went 12-of-19 for 87 yards and two interceptions against Green Bay, and he was sacked five times.

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The rest of his appearances haven't been much better.

McCarthy is averaging 154.8 passing yards per game and completing 54.1 percent of his throws through six starts. He's not stretching secondaries with higher-variance throws down the field. He hasn't been an efficient game manager who methodically wears down a defense over time. He hasn't even been funneling the ball to two-time All-Pro Justin Jefferson that much.

It's tough to pinpoint what McCarthy is bringing to the table.

And because of struggles, some of the 22-year-old's personality quirks, such as his "Nine" alter ego, are landing with a complete thud.

Thanks to a 4-7 record, Minnesota has long odds of reaching the playoffs and McCarthy's development isn't providing a silver lining in a difficult year.

Whether McCarthy, Brosmer or someone else as the starter may not matter much for the Vikings at this point. Some may argue shutting McCarthy down entirely is the best course of action because he badly needs to turn the page to 2026.

Brosmer is 5-of-8 for 42 yards in his three appearances this season. The 24-year-old threw for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions at the University of Minnesota in 2024.