JJ McCarthy injury update: Vikings QB in concussion protocol

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been placed into the NFL's concussion protocol, coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Nov. 24.

O'Connell explained the decision came after McCarthy dealt with "symptoms in regards to his head" as the Vikings traveled from Green Bay home to Minnesota.

"He was evaluated last night, and after completing those tests, our training staff and doctors, and medical team have decided that the right place for him is to put him into the protocol for now," O'Connell said of McCarthy. "He'll go through that process this week."

O'Connell did not have any additional information as to when McCarthy may have suffered the concussion. The 40-year-old coach also was not yet ready to make a determination about McCarthy's status for Week 13.

"I think it's probably too early to tell that," O'Connell said, before adding the team would "take it a day at a time" while steadfastly following the NFL's concussion protocol.

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McCarthy, 22, already missed five games earlier in the season while dealing with an ankle injury. He has posted a 2-4 record to date across six starts while completing 54.1% of his passes for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

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Who is J.J. McCarthy's backup?

Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is currently the backup to J.J. McCarthy. The Minnesota product began the season as the team's third-string quarterback behind McCarthy and Carson Wentz, but was elevated to the No. 2 role after Wentz had season-ending shoulder surgery.

Brosmer has only attempted eight career passes, completing five of them for 42 yards across two appearances. O'Connell confirmed the 24-year-old would be the starter if McCarthy is unable to play against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

Vikings QB depth chart

Below is a look at the quarterbacks the Vikings currently have in their organization:

1. J.J. McCarthy (injured)
2. Carson Wentz (injured)
3. Max Brosmer
4. John Wolford (practice squad)

Wolford will likely be called upon to back up Brosmer if McCarthy is out of action. The 30-year-old has a 2-2 record across four career starts, all with the Los Angeles Rams, and has completed 58.7% of his passes for 626 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions. He has not thrown a pass in an NFL regular-season game since the 2022 season.