Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in danger of missing Week 13 after being placed in concussion protocol.
Vikings Put J.J. McCarthy in Concussion Protocol
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell says that QB J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/BbhapR9TKT
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2025
McCarthy’s season appears to be unraveling.
On Monday, coach Kevin O’Connell announced that McCarthy has been placed in concussion protocol, threatening his status for Week 13’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
“J.J. McCarthy, over the course of our travel home, reported some kind of symptoms in regards to his head, and we wanted to get back here once we kind of heard he was evaluated last night,” O’Connell said to the media via the Vikings’ X account. “After completing those tests, our training staff and doctors and medical team have decided that the right place for him is to put him in the protocol for now, and he’ll go through that process this week.
O’Connell added, “He’s been in meetings here today in the building, and we’ll update you guys as we go.”
The news comes a day after McCarthy struggled in the team’s 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
McCarthy finished 12 of 19 for 87 yards and two interceptions. The Packers dominated the Vikings from start to finish, winning the time of possession battle 37:15 to 22:45.
McCarthy was sacked five times in the loss.
If McCarthy can’t play in Week 13, Max Brosmer will start at quarterback.
The Vikings Have a Quarterback Problem
🚨🚨CRAZIEST STAT OF THE DAY🚨🚨#Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy would have had a higher passer rating if he would have just SPIKED THE BALL on every player.
😳😳😳
Spike the ball on every play: 39.6 rating
McCarthy rating today: 34.2Disaster in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/WEmJ70zYjB
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 23, 2025
One year ago, the Vikings were in the middle of a historic season. With Sam Darnold at quarterback, Minnesota jumped out to a 14-2 record.
However, the Vikings dropped to the No. 5 seed after losing the final game of the regular season to the Detroit Lions. Minnesota then went on to lay an egg in a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Wild Card Weekend.
Darnold played like an MVP candidate for the majority of the 2024 campaign. However, Darnold struggled in the games against Detroit and Los Angeles. With McCarthy on the roster, O’Connell and the Vikings ultimately let Darnold walk in free agency.
The Vikings also tried to re-sign Daniel Jones, but he departed for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Vikings were all-in on McCarthy this season. Unfortunately, it appears to be a bad bet. The Vikings are in last place in the NFC North with a record of 4-7.
The Vikings are 2-4 in McCarthy’s starts. Making matters worse, McCarthy’s 24.9 QBR is one of the worst starts of any NFL quarterback in recent history.
McCarthy will likely be on the roster next year. However, don’t be surprised if the Vikings bring in a veteran to compete for the starting job.
The Vikings play the Seahawks (8-3) in Week 13.
