EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has entered concussion protocol Monday, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell announced during a media session.
O'Connell said the first-year starter and second-year pro reported symptoms as the team traveled home from Green Bay and was evaluated Sunday night.
"After completing those tests, our training staff and doctors and medical team have decided that the right place for him is the protocol for now, and he'll go through that process this week," O'Connell said. "He's been in meetings here today in the building, and we'll update you guys as we go."
O'Connell said the team, which also was in dialogue with independent spotters, did not know of a particular play on which the concussion happened.
McCarthy was sacked five times during Minnesota's 23-6 loss at Green Bay. The Packers were credited with 10 hits on the QB, who completed 12 of 19 passes for 87 yards but was intercepted twice in the fourth quarter as the Vikings tried to mount a comeback.
"It had to be late based on how the game went, but there wasn't one where I think even J.J. can pinpoint it now," O'Connell said.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is the only other QB on the 53-man roster. Veteran John Wolford is on the practice squad. Veteran Carson Wentz is on Injured Reserve after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this month.
O'Connell was asked if the Vikings will prepare for Brosmer to start in Week 13 when the Vikings are scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks at 3:05 p.m. (CT) Sunday.
"I think it's probably too early to tell, as far as with the quarterbacks not really taking contact and practice in the different phases of the protocol," O'Connell said. "I think we've got to just take it a day at a time and leave it to the medical professionals and the protocol that's in place. I'm a huge proponent of the protocol and the procedures in place for the betterment of the most important thing, which is player health and safety, until he comes out of the protocol."
O'Connell said the Vikings plan to have a little shorter day of work Thursday for Thanksgiving and "maybe a little longer day on Wednesday and Friday."
View the 2025 Vikings Schedule.
See the Vikings 2026 Opponents.
Check out the Vikings 2026 Draft Picks.
View future opponents for the Vikings.
Buy single game tickets.
Download the official Vikings App.
