J.J. McCarthy's injury puts Vikings in even worse position for Week 13

Can things get worse for the Minnesota Vikings?

On Monday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell revealed that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been placed in concussion protocol. The second-year passer began showing symptoms following a 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. 

If McCarthy can't clear the protocol for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Vikings plan to start rookie QB Max Brosmer, an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota. With that in mind, the team's Week 13 matchup could be a disaster waiting to happen. 

Why Max Brosmer could be doomed against Seahawks

The Seahawks (8-3) present a tough matchup, especially for a rookie QB who would be making his first start. Seattle ranks seventh in the league in points allowed (19.7) and fourth in sacks (36). 

The Vikings offense, meanwhile, has sputtered throughout the season. Minnesota ranks 28th in the league in passing yards (180.2) and 25th in points scored (20.4).

Some of the struggles fall on McCarthy, who has failed to prove he's the franchise's future this season. Through six starts, the Michigan product has completed a below-average 54.1 percent of his passes, tossing six touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

That said, don't expect the offense to improve with Brosmer in the lineup. He doesn't look like a steal for Minnesota.

"He's asked to read and attack coverages, and can do so when in rhythm, but his production nosedives when the pocket heats up, and he's forced to move," wrote NFL.com's Lance Zierlein in his predraft scouting report of Brosmer.

The Vikings, however, have way more confidence in Brosmer. In a story published in October, The Athletic's Michael Silver reported that some within the organization have compared him to San Francisco 49ers starting QB Brock Purdy, pick No. 262 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Like the Iowa State product, he's shown a knack for reading defenses.

"He was moving the team, getting the ball out, seeing things at a veteran-level progression," O'Connell said of Brosmer's play against the Tennessee Titans' first-team defense in Minnesota's preseason finale.

Still, it's a tall task for an unheralded rookie to reignite a 4-7 team's playoff hopes in a game against a Super Bowl contender.