Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell sets the record straight regarding QB J.J. McCarthy’s status on Sunday vs. Seattle Seahawks

Kevin O’Connell might not start J.J. McCarthy if he clears the concussion protocol.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is sacked by. Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) during the second half at Lambeau Field.
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The Minnesota Vikings are dealing with another injury to their starting quarterback, as J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol.

It’s a tough one for the Vikings, but this is also something they should have seen coming, as McCarthy’s suffered four documented injuries in eight games.

The latest one is from suffering a concussion against the Green Bay Packers in a 23-6 loss on Sunday afternoon. It’s just the latest in a line of frustrations surrounding the young quarterback.

Kevin O’Connell talks about J.J. McCarthy’s potential return to the field

Being that McCarthy is in the concussion protocol, the process for his return is both simple and complicated. Head coach Kevin O’Connell elaborated on that today.

“He’s cleared enough of the protocol to at least participate in a limited capacity today,” said O’Connell. That’s kind of part of the next phases of it. He’s in the protocol, and kind of as that goes, and as the medical kind of process plays out.”

Participating in a limited capacity on the first day of practice for the week is a win for the Vikings. McCarthy reported concussion-like symptoms after the game on Sunday and was placed in the protocol. It’s a process to get out of the concussion protocol, and it’s a big reason why players don’t often return the same week they enter the protocol.

Here’s where things get interesting. When McCarthy had his high ankle sprain, O’Connell was adamant that he not play without a full week of practice. Will that be the case this week? KSTP’s Chris Long asked about a “zero hour” situation with McCarthy.

“I think as far as the zero hour, I don’t necessarily know if we’re looking at it like that, but you do want to take into account what his preparation has been like,” O’Connell said. “What has the practice week been like with what he’s able to do? While also knowing that, ultimately, this is not talking about a hand or an ankle or anything like that. We’re talking about his head. We want to make sure we defer to the medical team. But also, what we feel is best, and we’re still not in a place to declare anything yet.”

This is a big one. If McCarthy doesn’t take any first-team reps with the offense but clears the protocol, would O’Connell allow him to start in just his seventh game? It would be a pretty bold statement from O’Connell, who has been adamant about prioritizing his young quarterback’s long-term success over short-term gain, not to mention McCarthy not playing despite being healthy enough to practice until he could practice for the full week.

If McCarthy can’t play, the ball would go to Max Brosmer, whom the staff is high on. Thursday and Friday’s practice will tell us much more about what we need to know.

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