Vikings Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy Ruled Out for Seahawks Clash After Entering Concussion Protocol

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not play this Sunday. The rookie has been ruled out for the Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks. He entered the NFL’s concussion protocol earlier this week.

McCarthy reported symptoms following the team’s Week 12 loss to Green Bay. The team confirmed the news on Friday. This development forces the Vikings to turn to an undrafted rookie for a critical game.

Odds Shift Dramatically as Max Brosmer Steps Into Starting Role

The betting market reacted swiftly to the news. According to reports from Adam Schefter and odds data from DraftKings, the point spread moved significantly. Minnesota is now an 11.5-point underdog after opening the week at 8.5 points.

This three-point swing underscores the challenge ahead. Oddsmakers show little faith in the untested Brosmer facing Seattle’s elite defense. The Seahawks currently rank fifth in the NFL in defensive efficiency.

McCarthy’s first season has been a struggle. The first-round pick has completed just 54.1 percent of his passes. He has thrown 10 interceptions against only six touchdowns in six starts.

Brosmer Faces Steep Uphill Battle in First NFL Start

Max Brosmer now gets the call for his first career start. The situation is far from ideal. He must lead an offense against one of the league’s top units with minimal preparation.

Brosmer has seen limited action in four games this year. He has completed five of eight pass attempts for 42 total yards. Veteran Carson Wentz, who started earlier this season, is unavailable on injured reserve.

The Vikings’ playoff hopes grow dimmer with this setback. A loss to Seattle would severely damage their postseason trajectory. All eyes will be on how the young quarterback handles the immense pressure.

The absence of J.J. McCarthy creates a major hurdle for Minnesota’s offense. Rookie Max Brosmer must now navigate a brutal first start against a fierce Seahawks defense. This sudden quarterback change has reshaped the outlook for Sunday’s crucial matchup.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How long will J.J. McCarthy be out?

He is officially out for Week 13. His status beyond that depends on his progression through the multi-step concussion protocol. There is no set timetable for his return.

Q2: Who is Max Brosmer?

Max Brosmer is an undrafted rookie quarterback for the Vikings. He has thrown eight passes in brief regular-season action. Sunday will mark his first career NFL start.

Q3: Why did the betting line move so much?

The line moved three points because bettors and books lost confidence in Minnesota’s offense. A rookie QB making his first start against a top-5 defense is considered a significant disadvantage.

Q4: How has McCarthy performed this season?

He has struggled with accuracy and turnovers. McCarthy has a 54.1% completion rate with 10 interceptions. The Vikings have a 2-4 record in games he has started.

Q5: Is Carson Wentz an option for the Vikings?

No, Carson Wentz is not an option. The veteran quarterback is currently on injured reserve. He underwent shoulder surgery earlier this season.