Aftera disastrous offensive performance Sundayin a shutout loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Minnesota Vikings anticipate that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return next week to face the Washington Commanders.
Head coach Kevin O'Connellannounced the news on Monday. O'Connell told reporters that McCarthy is symptom-free after missing Week 13 in concussion protocol. He needs to go through a full practice to officially clear protocol. O'Connell anticipates that he'll do that Wednesday and then start on Sunday, barring any setbacks.
With rookie backup Max Brosmer starting against the Seahawks, the Vikings turned the ball over five times, including four interceptions in a 26-0 loss.
What will Vikings gain from McCarthy's return?
The Vikings haven't fared well with McCarthy at quarterback. They're 2-4 in his six starts this season and ranked 28th in the league in total offense and 25th in scoring offense heading into Week 13.
A first-round pick in the 2024 draft, McCarthy has failed to meet those expectations in his first season as Minnesota's starter while completing 54.1% of his passes for 154.8 yards per game with 6 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his six starts.
The Vikings fell to 4-8 with their fourth straight loss on Sunday and remain at the bottom of the NFC North and out of playoff contention.
With five games left in the season, McCarthy's return gives Minnesota a chance to further evaluate the second-year quarterback. If he doesn't show marked improvement over the last five games, the Vikings will face offseason decisions over whether to upgrade at the position, a year removed from letting Sam Darnold walk to the Seahawks in free agency.
McCarthy's return also gets Brosmer off the field. With backup quarterback Carson Wentz out for the season with a shoulder injury, Brosmer — an undrafted rookie — started against the Seahawks despite clearly not being ready to face NFL competition. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 126 yards with 4 interceptions and no touchdowns in Sunday's loss.
