Kevin O'Connell makes Vikings starting quarterback announcement for Week 14 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Vikings utilized their third different starting quarterback in Week 13, with the team putting rookie Max Brosmer under center.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat move was made because starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy was ruled out due to a concussion he suffered in Week 12.
Things did not go well for Brosmer, as expected. The undrafted rookie made his first start against an elite Seattle Seahawks defense at Lumen Field and it went about as badly as we all thought it would.
As a result, there is no quarterback controversy in Minnesota, which actually would've been a good problem to have considering how much McCarthy has struggled in 2025.
Kevin O'Connell announces Week 14 starter
On Monday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that McCarthy will start in Week 14, assuming he clears the concussion protocol, something he is on track to do.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementO'Connell notes that McCarthy isn't having any symptoms and the last step is logging a full session at practice this week.
"Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says QB J.J. McCarthy is symptom free right now from concussion protocol," The Athletic's Alec Lewis relayed. "O’Connell said the last bar to clear is him going through a full practice Wednesday, but barring anything unforeseen he’ll be the starter on Sunday vs. Commanders."
McCarthy showed quick progress last week, when he turned in three limited practices just days after sustaining the concussion. That was a clear sign his absence was not going to last more than a week.
McCarthy, who desperately needs a strong showing, will draw a great matchup against a Washington Commanders defense that is one of the worst in the NFL at defending the pass.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the Vikings' season is already cooked when it comes to making the playoffs, these next five games are huge for the second-year quarterback, who could find himself competing for his job in 2026 if he doesn't shape up.
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