Will J.J. McCarthy’s Return Spark a Vikings Comeback, or Prolong Their Struggles?

Well, what a rough weekend for the Minnesota Vikings. After getting shut out in a dismal showing against the Seattle Seahawks — and trust me, it was a stinker — the team is holding onto a glimmer of hope: J.J. McCarthy is set to make his comeback next week versus the Washington Commanders. Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Monday that McCarthy, who’s been sidelined with concussion protocol, is feeling fine and aims to clear the final hurdle with a full practice before taking the helm again on Sunday, barring any last-minute hiccups. Meanwhile, the rookie backup Max Brosmer’s struggles were painfully obvious, turning the ball over five times, including four interceptions. It’s been a challenging season for McCarthy, who’s yet to hit his stride despite being a first-round pick in 2024 — and for the Vikings as a whole, who sit near the bottom of the NFC North. With just five games left, McCarthy’s return is more than a hopeful boost; it’s a critical moment for the franchise to assess their quarterback’s future before offseason decisions loom large. If he doesn’t lift the team’s sputtering offense, Minnesota might be looking at dialing in some serious changes after already watching Sam Darnold head to rival Seattle. This situation has all the makings of a pivotal stretch for a team desperate to ignite any spark of hope left in their season. LEARN MORE.

After a disastrous offensive performance Sunday in 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’Connell announced 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.

J.J. McCarthy is expected to return in Week 14 to face the Washington Commanders.

(Patrick McDermott via Getty Images)

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.