The Minnesota Vikings have made a huge change with J.J. McCarthy immediate future. The news comes just a few days after Minnesota lost a brutal divisional matchup to their biggest rival in the Green Bay Packers.
Vikings Officially Rule Out J.J. McCarthy for Week 13 vs. Seahawks; Max Brosmer to Make First NFL Start
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks after entering the NFL’s concussion protocol on Monday. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the diagnosis Tuesday morning, stating that McCarthy began experiencing symptoms on the team flight home from Green Bay following Sunday’s 23-6 loss to the Packers.
The hit that triggered the concussion occurred late in the fourth quarter when McCarthy scrambled and took a helmet-to-helmet blow from numerous defenders.. No flag was thrown on the play, and McCarthy finished the drive, but headaches and dizziness surfaced hours later.
Max Brosmer Set for First Career Start
With McCarthy sidelined and veteran backup Carson Wentz still nursing a shoulder injury, un-drafted rookie Max Brosmer will make his first NFL start. The 24-year-old former New Hampshire standout and Minnesota native has appeared in only mop-up duty this season (5-of-8, 42 yards). O’Connell praised Brosmer’s preparation: “Max has done a really good job in the scout-team room and has earned the respect of his teammates. He’s calm, processes quickly, and has a live arm. We’re excited to see him get this opportunity.”
McCarthy’s Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
This is the latest setback in what has been a nightmare year for the 2025 No. 10 overall pick:
- Preseason meniscus tear (missed all of 2024)
- High-ankle sprain Weeks 2–5
- Hamstring strain Week 8
- Now second documented concussion
Through nine games (six starts), McCarthy has completed 54.1% of his passes for 929 yards, 6 TDs, and a league-high 10 interceptions among qualified QBs.
What It Means for Minnesota’s Playoff Push
At 4-7, the Vikings currently hold the No. 12 seed in the NFC but face a brutal closing stretch: Seahawks, Commanders, Cowboys, Lions (twice), and Packers.
O’Connell on the Bigger Picture
When asked if this latest injury raises long-term concerns about McCarthy’s durability, O’Connell pushed back: “J.J. is a tough, resilient kid. We’re focused on getting him healthy and continuing his development. Right now, our attention is on Max and preparing to beat a really good Seattle team.”
McCarthy remains in Phase 1 of the concussion protocol and will not practice this week. His status for Week 14 and beyond is uncertain.
The Vikings and Seahawks kick off Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
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