EAGAN, Minn. — Amid the probability that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss Sunday’s recreation at Seattle whereas in concussion protocol, two of the workforce’s high veterans mentioned Wednesday that they haven’t misplaced religion in his long-term prospects.
Receiver Justin Jefferson and operating again Aaron Jones each acknowledged McCarthy’s struggles within the first six video games of his profession. Jefferson described McCarthy’s 2025 debut as “robust” however predicted enchancment sooner or later.
“It is early,” Jefferson mentioned. “He is new to the sport. He is new to the NFL. He is studying identical to everybody else has to study as a rookie, and he clearly needed to undergo the psychological stage of getting to beat an harm the primary yr. So only a robust transition for him. However I really feel like simply him studying these previous couple video games, and naturally studying [during] the stretch of this season, I really feel like he’ll bounce again differently than everyone else goes to suppose so.”
McCarthy missed 5 video games earlier this season due to a excessive proper ankle sprain. He reported concussion signs on the flight dwelling from Inexperienced Bay on Sunday evening and was restricted in apply Wednesday as he remained within the league’s protocol. Rookie Max Brosmer took the entire first-team reps and is predicted to start out Sunday except McCarthy is cleared.
In McCarthy’s six begins this season, the Vikings are 2-4. Jefferson has averaged 53 receiving yards in these video games, a 43% drop from his profession common.
Requested why he thinks McCarthy will bounce again, Jefferson mentioned: “Simply speaking to him. Speaking to him and seeing the arm expertise that he has, seeing his composure, seeing the arrogance that he comes with each single day. After all, seeing the poise that he has all through the sport. He is relentless. He is assured to go on the market. He simply has to hold it on all through week to week and simply present up on Sundays with that mentality that he is been having the entire complete week.”
Jones, in the meantime, mentioned he has instructed McCarthy that he’s pleased with the best way he has handled the adversity of this season.
“I instructed him that those who counted you out, they are going to must recount,” Jones mentioned.