HH. BREAKING: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has officially entered the concussion protocol — a sudden, alarming turn announced by head coach Kevin O’Connell after the rookie reported symptoms on the flight home last night.
The Minnesota Vikings have officially placed quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the NFL’s concussion protocol, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Monday, following reports of head-related symptoms during the team’s flight back from Green Bay. vikings.com+2Thể Thao Yahoo+2
A Sudden Turn After a Tough Game
McCarthy experienced dizziness and other symptoms as the team traveled home from their 23–6 loss to the Packers. SI+2Thể Thao Yahoo+2 According to O’Connell, he underwent concussion evaluation shortly after landing. vikings.com+1
There was no specific play identified by the team that clearly caused the injury. O’Connell noted it seemed like any possible concussion-causing hit would’ve come late in the game, given how events played out. ESPN.com
What This Means for the Vikings
McCarthy’s status for Week 13 — which includes a road game in Seattle — is now uncertain. NFL.com O’Connell emphasized that the team will follow every step of the concussion protocol and “let the process play out,” placing full trust in the medical staff. vikings.com
Without McCarthy, the Vikings could turn to Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie, as their starting QB. SI+1 With veteran Carson Wentz out for the season, the pressure is higher than ever on the roster’s depth chart. vikings.com+1
A Season of Struggles
This isn’t the first injury McCarthy has faced during his time with Minnesota. He missed five games this season due to a high-ankle sprain and hasn’t found consistent rhythm in his six starts. ESPN.com+1 Against Green Bay, he completed 12 of 19 passes for just 87 yards, threw two interceptions, and was sacked five times — a rough performance in a critical moment. Thể Thao Yahoo+1
The Bigger Picture
Inside the Vikings facility, the mood is reportedly tense. McCarthy’s health is now the top priority for coaches and medical staff. vikings.com Meanwhile, fans and analysts are bracing for what could be a pivotal week for the franchise — not just in terms of wins or losses, but in whether their young quarterback can recover and return.
Looking Ahead
- Can McCarthy clear the protocol in time for the next game?
- How will the Vikings manage their offense if he remains sidelined?
- And what long-term impact could this injury have on his development as a young QB?
For now, all eyes are on his recovery — and a franchise that is walking a fine line between protecting its most important asset and staying competitive.
If you like, I can write a fan-reaction roundup (tweets, Reddit, etc.) or a preview of the Vikings’ Week 13 game assuming McCarthy sits. Do you want me to do that?
