Vikings Add Veteran QB After Concerning J.J. McCarthy Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Dec 25, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings are having arguably the most disappointing season of any team in the NFL.

They went 14-3 last year with a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC in the final week of the season, but they haven’t achieved anything close to that level of success this year.

The team moved on from starting quarterback Sam Darnold in the offseason after he played his two worst games of the season against the Detroit Lions in the battle for the first seed and in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams.

Minnesota handed the keys to second-year signal caller J.J. McCarthy, who appeared to be in line to start last season before he tore his meniscus, but he has been a rollercoaster so far.

Minnesota Vikings first round draft pick JJ McCarthy throws out the ceremonial first pitch in a game between the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field. Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

His play has been up-and-down, and to make matters worse, his injury situation doesn’t appear to be getting any better.

McCarthy hurt himself once again this past Sunday against the New York Giants, the third time he will miss games this season with a different injury.

Undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer will get the start for the Vikings today, but they decided to bring in a veteran presence in Brett Rypien for some insurance.

The #Vikings have claimed QB Brett Rypien via waivers. pic.twitter.com/cxhUt3OxYb
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025

Rypien hasn’t thrown many passes in the league, but he has been around for a while and is a solid presence in a quarterback room devoid of much experience.

As for Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell, his seat appears to be getting warm although he is regarded in the media as one of the best coaches in the league.

Despite his overachieving in the regular season, he has yet to win a playoff game in four years as the head coach, with part of the reason being the lackluster quarterback play he’s had.

McCarthy has performed better recently, but who knows if it will be enough to save O’Connell’s job.

Perhaps he gets another season with his young quarterback, but there needs to be some winning in Minnesota soon or things could turn ugly.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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