J.J. McCarthy 'not expected to play' Sunday against Seahawks

It sounds like it will be Max Brosmer time this week for Minnesota.

Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is not expected to clear concussion protocol quickly enough to play in this week's game against the Seahawks, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Wednesday morning.

"Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, who entered concussion protocol earlier this week, is not expected to play Sunday against the Seahawks, I’m told," she wrote on X.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, who entered concussion protocol earlier this week, is not expected to play Sunday against the Seahawks, I’m told.https://t.co/dX978SFjLR pic.twitter.com/iR3QNqXnnz

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 26, 2025

Subscribe: Sign up to receive the free Vikings On SI newsletter

After last week's dissapointing performance against the Packers, the Vikings placed McCarthy in concussion protocol on Sunday night. He finished the entire game 12 of 19 for 87 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions, and he began feeling symptoms on the trip home according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.

McCarthy has struggled in find a groove in his first year as an NFL starter. He has completed 54.1% of his passes for 929 yards, eight total touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. This is now the second injury that has forced him to miss games.

Undrafted free agent (UDFA) rookie from the University of Minnesota, Max Brosmer, is now in line to make his first career NFL start at QB for the Vikings against Seattle. He transferred to the Gophers after an accomplished career at the FCS level with New Hampshire. He'll now look to break out at the professional level with O'Connell and the Vikings.