Vikings QB Crisis Deepens: McCarthy Out vs. Seahawks, Undrafted Rookie Max Brosmer Steps In
In a gut-wrenching blow to an already reeling Minnesota Vikings squad, quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to miss Sunday’s crucial Week 13 clash with the Seattle Seahawks due to a concussion sustained in last weekend’s 23-6 drubbing by the Green Bay Packers.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the news during Wednesday’s practice report, thrusting undrafted rookie Max Brosmer – a local product with zero NFL snaps under his belt – into the spotlight as the presumptive starter.
At 4-7 and desperate for a spark to salvage their fading playoff dreams, this twist has Vikings Nation buzzing with a mix of dread and defiant hope.
McCarthy’s Concussion: The Latest Hurdle in a Nightmarish Rookie Campaign
McCarthy, the 22-year-old former Michigan star and No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, reported symptoms on the flight home from Lambeau Field on Sunday night, landing him in the NFL’s concussion protocol Monday morning. O’Connell detailed the timeline in his midweek update: “J.J.
felt some symptoms postgame, and we’re following all protocols to the letter.
He’s limited in individual drills today, but we’re not in a place to declare his status yet.” That cautionary tone? It’s code for “he’s out” – insiders and beat reporters are pegging McCarthy as a game-time decision at best, with a high likelihood of sitting to avoid long-term risks.
This isn’t McCarthy’s first dance with the injury bug. He sat out his entire 2024 rookie season recovering from knee surgery, then dazzled in Week 1 before a high-ankle sprain sidelined him for five games starting in Week 2. His return sparked brief optimism – a solid outing vs.
the Bears – but the Packers flop exposed rust: 18-of-28 for 162 yards, zero TDs, two INTs, and constant pressure from Rashan Gary’s edge rush. Now, with the Vikes mired in a three-game skid and dead last in the NFC North, this concussion clouds his trajectory.
O’Connell remains steadfast: “J.J.’s our guy long-term – this is about protecting him and the team.”
Enter Max Brosmer: From Undrafted Longshot to Emergency Signal-Caller
O’Connell didn’t mince words on the backup plan: “Max Brosmer will take the reps with the ones this week, and we’re preparing him to go.” Brosmer, a 24-year-old undrafted free agent out of the University of Minnesota (after five seasons at New Hampshire), has been QB3 on the depth chart behind McCarthy and veteran Nick Mullens.
He climbed the ladder during McCarthy’s ankle absence, impressing in practice with his poise and arm talent – traits that echo his college days, where he threw for over 13,000 yards and 120 TDs across six seasons.
Who is this guy? Brosmer (born March 28, 2001, in Austin, Texas) walked on at New Hampshire in 2019, blossomed into a CAA star (3,800+ yards in 2023), then transferred to his home-state Gophers for a record-breaking senior year: 3,482 yards, 34 TDs, and a 70% completion rate en route to a Big Ten title game berth.
Undrafted in April 2025 due to size concerns (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), he latched on with Minnesota as a camp arm, turning heads in preseason with zippy deep balls and zero turnovers. “Max has that ‘it’ factor – calm under fire, smart decisions,” O’Connell gushed earlier this fall.
Now, with Mullens nursing a minor groin tweak (limited Wednesday), Brosmer’s the default – a “surprising twist” indeed for a depth-chart afterthought.
Vikings Territory’s analysis? Brosmer’s “something special” potential could shine: His Gophers tape shows elite accuracy on the move and a knack for extending plays, fitting O’Connell’s RPO-heavy scheme.
But zero pro reps? It’s a high-wire act – think Brock Purdy’s fairy tale, but with Seattle’s ferocious front (Boye Mafe’s 8 sacks) waiting to pounce.
Reactions: Fan Frenzy, Expert Skepticism, and O’Connell’s Defiant Optimism
Purple Twitter erupted: #BrosmerTime trended with 60K+ posts, memes of Max in a horned helmet hurling lasers at Lambeau ghosts, and calls for “local boy magic.” One fan account quipped: “From Gopher to Skol – if Max slings it like in ’24, we’re eating crow for dinner.” But not all rosy: Reddit’s r/vikings fretted over the “QB roulette” – McCarthy’s third sit-out this year – with threads blasting the O-line’s woes (LT Christian Darrisaw DNP Wednesday with a knee issue).
Experts? Mixed bag. ESPN’s Will Backus warns of a “wake-up call” for the franchise, while The Athletic’s Alec Lewis sees upside: “Brosmer’s unflappable – could be the jolt this offense needs.” O’Connell, ever the motivator, framed it positively: “This is an opportunity for Max to step up.
We’ve seen his arm, his processing – now it’s showtime.” GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah echoed: “Talent rises in chaos – Max earned this shot.”
Seahawks Preview: Survival Mode in the Great Northwest
Sunday’s Lumen Field tilt (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX) is a wildcard wildcard battle: Seattle (6-5, clinging to NFC West’s third spot) boasts Geno Smith’s efficiency (68% completion) and a top-10 rush D, but their secondary leaks yards (24th vs. pass).
For Minnesota, it’s do-or-die: A win vaults them to 5-7, breathing life into 8% playoff odds; a loss? 4-8 irrelevance. Expect O’Connell to lean run-heavy (Aaron Jones’ 900+ yards) and shield Brosmer with quick game/screens. Vegas? Seahawks -3 favorites, O/U 42.5 – primed for a gritty, low-scoring affair.
This saga underscores the Vikings’ volatility: A ’24 miracle (14-3 with Darnold) to this QB carousel. McCarthy heals, Brosmer battles – but the clock’s ticking on O’Connell’s grace period.
Can Max deliver a Skol miracle? Or is this the slide’s steepest drop? Vikings fans, what’s your bold call on Brosmer’s debut? Drop it below – let’s grind through the purple pain! 🟣💜
