Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to make his return this Sunday after officially clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol.
The update brings an important demand lift to the Vikings’ offence, which plodded without their novice QB during last week’s heavy loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
McCarthy sustained the concussion in the Week 12 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Although the impact wasn’t egregious on the pitch, symptoms developed on the platoon’s flight home, leading to medical checks and his placement in the protocol.
Speaking to reporters, the 22-year-old admitted he isn’t entirely sure which hit caused the issue.
“Every single game kind of feels like you get kicked in the face by a donkey,” McCarthy said.
This is already McCarthy’s second major setback of his debut NFL season. He previously missed time with a high ankle sprain in Week 2, meaning the former first-round pick has been absent for six games, a significant chunk of the campaign for a developing NFL rookie quarterback.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell explained that the focus now is less about mechanics and more about helping McCarthy make quicker, safer decisions on the field.
“There will be time to fundamentally focus on things… but now it feels like he’s got enough experience. I want him to have a clear head and a clear mind to just go play… and protect himself so we can keep him in there,” O’Connell said.
Across six games, McCarthy has posted 929 passing yards, six touchdowns and ten interceptions, numbers that reflect both his implicit and the growing pains of conforming to professional football.
Vikings Adjust Plans to Support Their Rookie QB
O’Connell and his staff are keen to ensure McCarthy isn’t overwhelmed as he returns from injury.
Rather than drilling him on every mechanical detail, the guiding platoon wants him to trust his instincts, stay composed under pressure and avoid gratuitous successes when running.
Vikings naming newly signed J.J. “Nueve” McCarthy as starting QB for Week 14. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/VsKRTZb4xX
— NFL Drop (@TheNFLDrop) December 2, 2025
This shift in approach also aligns with the Vikings’ critical need for stability on offence, as the platoon still fights to stay competitive in the season’s final stretch.
McCarthy Resets His Mindset Ahead of His Comeback
McCarthy admitted he has been guilty of overthinking at times, trying too hard to perfect every movement instead of playing naturally. Conversations with O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown have encouraged him to simplify his mindset.
“A lot of the mentality has changed, for sure,” McCarthy said. “I was just so focused on doing every rep perfectly… They talked to me about worrying about that stuff in the offseason. Go out there, play your ball, just execute the play.”
He added that this approach frees him to react more naturally to what the defence shows.
“That just frees up a lot of space mentally to be instinctual, react, and respond… Very excited to play.”
With the Vikings still fighting to turn their season around, McCarthy’s return arrives at a crucial moment.
Supporters will be eager to see how the Minnesota Vikings quarterback responds to concussion recovery when he faces the Washington Commanders this weekend.
