The Minnesota Vikings are watching their season slip away, but the scoreboard tells only half the story. After a crushing 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12, which dropped them to the bottom of the NFC North, the real concern isn’t just the 4-7 record. It is who will be under center when they retake the field.
Who Are the Vikings’ Options at Quarterback?
Inconsistent play under center has plagued Minnesota all year, and the situation just got more complicated. Former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was placed in concussion protocol on Monday after experiencing symptoms on the flight home. Head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t rule out the Michigan product for Week 13, but it is possible he won’t clear protocol in time.
Even when healthy, McCarthy has disappointed in 2025. The quarterback has thrown for 929 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions so far in his first season as the starter. PFSN’s QB Impact ranking gives McCarthy a dismal 55.4 grade for his performance to this point.
The depth chart behind him offers little relief. Backup Carson Wentz underwent season-ending shoulder surgery back in October. That means the team is incredibly thin at quarterback if McCarthy can’t play, leaving O’Connell to choose between two unproven options.
Can Rookie Max Brosmer Handle the Pressure?
Max Brosmer appears to be the likely starter if McCarthy sits. The Vikings added Brosmer as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 draft, and he spent his final collegiate season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. During that campaign, he threw for 2,828 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Brosmer has seen limited NFL action so far, appearing in four games and completing five of his eight passes for 42 yards. He spent all spring and summer with the team and made the initial roster, which is impressive for an undrafted free agent.
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However, the young passer has never started in the NFL, and the Seattle Seahawks are not the best team to face in a debut. The Seattle defense has been relentless in getting after the quarterback. In fact, only three teams have collected more sacks than the Seahawks so far in 2025.
John Wolford is currently on the practice squad, and he would likely be promoted if McCarthy can’t play in Week 13. Wolford brings more experience than Brosmer with four career starts under his belt. He received one start with the Los Angeles Rams back in 2020 and three with the Rams in 2022. Over his career, the quarterback has thrown for 626 yards with just one touchdown and five interceptions.
Wolford’s experience in a Sean McVay offense may interest O’Connell, given the systemic similarities between the two. However, despite that familiarity, the rookie Brosmer is expected to start if McCarthy is unable to go.
