By Matt AudiletShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberMinnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to the field for Sunday's Week 14 matchup against the Washington Commanders, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced on Monday.
The second-year quarterback is symptom free after suffering a concussion in Week 12, causing him to miss this past Sunday's 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
McCarthy still needs to go through a full practice to officially clear the NFL's concussion protocol, but he's expected to do that on Wednesday.
“Expecting, barring any unforeseen changes to where he’s at today, and hopefully having that Wednesday will allow him to have a normal, full week and likely be able to go in as our starter on Sunday,” O’Connell said.
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Undrafted rookie backup Max Brosmer started in McCarthy's place in Week 13, failing to prove himself as a viable quarterback option. The former Minnesota Golden Gophers signal caller threw four interceptions as the Vikings offense committed five total turnovers in the shutout loss.
That being said, it appears Brosmer will remain as the primary backup once McCarthy returns to the field.
On Tuesday, the Vikings announced their decision to cut Desmond Ridder from the practice squad. Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick, served as Minnesota's backup behind Brosmer in Week 13.
"The #Vikings have released QB Desmond Ridder from the practice squad," the team wrote on X.
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Before suffering his concussion in Week 12, McCarthy had thrown two interceptions in each of his previous three games. The former No. 10 overall pick has thrown two interceptions in four of his six game appearances with the Vikings, and had one interception in each of the other two games.
The Vikings brought in Carson Wentz as a veteran option before the 2025 season, but he's since been ruled out for the year on season-ending injured reserve.
Minnesota's Week 14 clash against the Commanders will kickoff at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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