Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is currently in concussion protocol, making his availability for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks uncertain, as reported by coach Kevin O’Connell. If McCarthy is unable to play, rookie Max Brosmer is poised to make his first professional start.

McCarthy’s injury occurred during Minnesota’s recent 23-6 defeat to the Green Bay Packers when he threw an interception to Evan Williams, letting Green Bay run down the clock. This interception marked his second of the game and brought his total for the season to ten. McCarthy’s performance was notably poor, with only 87 passing yards and a passer rating of 34.2— the lowest of his career.

Throughout the season, he has consistently thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in four out of his six starts. After the Vikings parted ways with former quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency, McCarthy began the 2025 season as the starting quarterback.

Previously, McCarthy experienced a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for more than a month. He returned to action on November 2, helping the Vikings secure a victory against the Detroit Lions.

The Vikings have struggled recently, losing all of their last three games with McCarthy leading the offense. Brosmer joined Minnesota in April 2025 as an undrafted free agent and had his first game appearance on September 21 against the Cincinnati Bengals, completing five out of eight passes for a total of 42 yards this season.