Number nine is back for the Minnesota Vikings as they look to salvage their season this weekend against the Washington Commanders.
JJ McCarthy missed last week’s game with a concussion, but he’s out of protocol and a full participant in practice this week, and he’s fit to play in Sunday’s home game.
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Minnesota alum Max Brosmer made his career debut in Seattle in McCarthy’s absence but was quickly sidelined, throwing four interceptions in a carnage at Northwest.
For McCarthy, who now has a 4-8 record with the Vikings, the goal is no longer to try to win his way into the playoffs, but to bring optimism to crazed Vikings fans. After a string of games that can only be defined as dysfunctional under McCarthy, he needs to show promise this weekend and deliver a much-needed win for the team.
If the rookie quarterback can’t do that against a Commanders team with the worst defense (3-8), Minnesota’s headlines will shift from 2025 to what they need to do in 2026 to return to perennial playoff contender status. After one of their most successful regular seasons ever under Sam Darnold last season, they may be forced to take a look at McCarthy’s longevity if he can’t lead the team this Sunday against a disintegrating Commanders squad.
For better or worse, McCarthy will catch the ball on Sunday. Hopefully, Vikings fans can shake off last week’s embarrassment and score at least nine points.
This article was originally published in “Touchdown Line: Niners Return: Vikings’ JJ McCarthy Starts vs. Commander”
