By Trevor SquireShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberMinnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell announced that JJ McCarthy entered concussion protocol after a Week 12 loss to the Green Bay Packers, putting the team in an unfortunately familiar place.
Read more: Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Announces Brutal JJ McCarthy Injury News
Quarterback uncertainty has been the theme this season with McCarthy's both on and off the field. He missed five games with a high ankle sprain, and his play has plummeted over the past three weeks. McCarthy's 24.8 QBR through six starts is one of the lowest of any quarterback in the past decade, per ESPN.
The Vikings are facing a hard look in the mirror about their quarterback decisions ahead of a Week 13 matchup against the Sam Darnold-led Seattle Seahawks.
However, their contingency plan for McCarthy could sequester any hard feelings.
...While O'Connell did not rule out McCarthy against the Seahawks, he did announce that undrafted rookie Max Brosmer would get the start if McCarthy is unavailable.
“Ton of confidence in Max. All he’s done since he’s been here is show up every single day and respond and answer the bell,” O’Connell said.
Read more: Concerns Grow After Justin Jefferson’s Behavior on Vikings Sideline
Brosmer turned heads during training camp and the preseason, including a matchup where he faced the Tennessee Titans' first-team defense. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown.
"He was moving the team, getting the ball out, seeing things at a veteran-level type of eye progression," O'Connell said, recalling that encouraging performance from the 24-year-old Brosmer.
The Vikings offense could use a boost from Brosmer after mustering just four yards in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Packers.
What a strong performance from Brosmer might mean for the rest of the Vikings season and McCarthy's future remains to be seen.
For more on the Vikings and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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