Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues to be monitored under the NFL’s concussion protocol as of November 22, 2023. While he demonstrated enough improvement to participate in limited individual drills during practice, his availability for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks remains uncertain. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that McCarthy has not yet been cleared for full-team activities.
Rookie quarterback Max Brosmer has been taking first-team snaps in preparation for what could be his inaugural start in the NFL. The Vikings, currently sitting at a challenging 4-7 record, are looking to turn their season around with a crucial match in Seattle this Sunday.
Injury Updates and Quarterback Preparation
The NFL’s concussion policy prohibits players in the protocol from speaking to the media, a rule that affected the Vikings’ media availability on Wednesday. Consequently, the team opted not to make Brosmer available for interviews, choosing instead to wait until after Friday’s practice to confirm their starting quarterback.
O’Connell underscored the importance of careful consideration regarding McCarthy’s health, stating, “We’re obviously going to be smart, both for what’s best for our team and what’s best most importantly for J.J.” He acknowledged the delicate nature of head injuries compared to other physical ailments, highlighting the need for a cautious approach.
McCarthy reported experiencing concussion symptoms during the flight back from a 22-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers last weekend. In that game, the second-year quarterback, who has had limited playing time due to injuries with only six career starts, struggled with both accuracy and timing.
Offensive Line Concerns
Adding to the team’s challenges, the offensive line may not be at full strength for the game against Seattle. After finally fielding their complete starting lineup against the Packers, the Vikings faced further setbacks when left tackle Christian Darrisaw and left guard Donovan Jackson exited the game with injuries. Both players did not participate in practice on Wednesday, although O’Connell noted that there is a possibility they could play on Sunday.
O’Connell mentioned that Jackson, in particular, will need to show improvement in his condition from soreness in order to be considered for the game. The Vikings are keenly aware of the stakes as they prepare to face the Seahawks, who are also fighting for playoff positioning.
As the weekend approaches, the Vikings will continue to assess the health of their key players while hoping for a turnaround in their season. The game against Seattle is set for November 26, 2023, and could prove pivotal for the struggling franchise.
