HH. BREAKING: Justin Jefferson finally breaks his silence on Sam Darnold’s season — and his words hit harder than any headline.

The Minnesota Vikings will face a familiar face in their Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks. After an incredible 2024 NFL season, Sam Darnold departed the Vikings in free agency to sign with Seattle.

In his first season with the Seahawks, Darnold has passed for 2,785 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 106.2 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference. Moreover, he’s establishing an excellent rapport with wide receiver 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has taken the next step in his NFL career and become a true No. 1 wideout.

As Smith-Njigba and Darnold continue to develop their connection, one player who had a similar relationship with the Seahawks quarterback was 

Justin Jefferson.  Ahead of the game, the Vikings wideout spoke with the media on November 26 and shared his thoughts on Darnold having success in Year 1 with Seattle.

“He’s definitely balling,” Jefferson said of Darnold’s 2025 season. “It’s hard to miss it when the number one receiver is at the top in the NFL. He’s been killing it. Some people might mention the bad games he’s had, but overall, he’s leading his teams to victories. It will be tough to win in their home environment. We need to lock in, execute our plays on all three phases, and come out with the win.”

The Vikings Could Have a New QB Under Center

While Darnold will be ready to go on gameday, the same cannot be said about J.J. McCarthy. Max Brosmer appears to be the more likely option to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks with McCarthy in concussion protocol.

The 24-year-old Brosmer has appeared in three games this season for the Minnesota Vikings, but not as a starter. He now has a chance to showcase his skills and potentially lead the offense if McCarthy is unable to play against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

On November 26, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson spoke to reporters, highlighting what he believes makes the 24-year-old a capable quarterback should he be called on to start.

“I would say his ability to make reads and really, seeing the different coverages and seeing ways that we can attack them with his arm, he has the ability to really sling it in there, and he also has the touch to loft it into a spot,” Jefferson said.

“So being able to process information quickly would be just getting it in and out of his hands as fast as possible so he doesn’t feel the effect of the rush.”

Vikings Have Confidence in Max Brosmer

Despite almost no experience under center at the NFL level, O’Connell noted that he and the team are confident that Brosmer can get the job done for the Vikings.

“[He’s] done nothing but just attack it every day and continue to understand that the reps with Carson [Wentz] or J.J. at different points in the season are going to be pretty hard to come by,” O’Connell said (h/t 

Pro Football Talk).

“So, he maximizes the practice squad reps — the look-team reps, I should say. So, he’s done everything to be ready when his number’s been called, and he’ll be ready if that’s what takes place on Sunday. And I’ll have a lot of confidence in him if that’s what happens.”

New Orleans Saints Face Key Injuries Ahead of Week 13 Matchup Against Miami Dolphins

As the New Orleans Saints look to rebound from a disappointing 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12, the team faces a significant hurdle in their preparations for their Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Running back Alvin Kamara, a cornerstone of the Saints’ offense, was notably absent from Wednesday’s practice due to a combination of injuries, alongside key players like wide receiver Chris Olave, offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, and rookie running back Devin Neal.

Kamara, who was forced to leave the Falcons game early in the second half, is struggling to recover from a sprained MCL in his left knee, coupled with an ongoing ankle issue. The injury has thrown a wrench into what has already been a frustrating season for the veteran running back, whose production has significantly declined compared to previous years. The Saints officially listed him with a knee/ankle injury on Wednesday’s report, and head coach Kellen Moore acknowledged that the team may not have full clarity on Kamara’s availability for Sunday’s game until Friday’s practice session.

Through 11 games this season, Kamara has amassed 657 scrimmage yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.6 yards per carry on 131 rushing attempts. This marks a sharp contrast to his previous performances, with his 2025 PFSN RB Impact score sitting at a career-low 73.4. Kamara’s struggles reflect the larger issue with the Saints’ offense, which has struggled to find consistency, evidenced by their 63.1 PFSN Offense Impact score, ranking 29th in the NFL.

The Saints’ offensive woes are compounded by the injury crisis in their backfield. With Kamara’s status uncertain, the team is already depleted after the season-ending ACL injury to rookie running back Kendre Miller earlier this year. In Kamara’s absence on Sunday, Taysom Hill took on a larger role in the running game, though his 17 yards on 10 carries didn’t inspire much confidence.

The Saints have promoted practice squad running back Evan Hull to the active roster to provide additional depth, alongside adding Ian Wheeler to the practice squad. Rookie Audric Estime remains another option should Kamara be unable to go. However, the uncertainty surrounding Kamara’s injury means that Hill, Hull, and Estime could play vital roles in the backfield moving forward.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Chris Olave, another key player on the Saints’ offense, was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a back injury. While Moore labeled the injury as minor, the team is keeping a close eye on Olave’s condition as they prepare for a crucial game against the Dolphins.

The Saints, currently 2-9 on the season, are facing an uphill battle to salvage their playoff hopes. With a depleted offense and injury concerns across multiple positions, New Orleans’ margin for error is razor-thin as they look to stay competitive in the NFC South. The return of Kamara, or the lack thereof, could very well determine whether the Saints can mount any kind of resurgence in the final stretch of the season.

As the Week 13 showdown approaches, the Saints’ fans are hoping that key players like Kamara and Olave can return to full strength, allowing the team to gain some momentum and potentially end the season on a high note. But with injuries piling up, it’s clear that the road ahead for New Orleans is fraught with uncertainty.