Viking coach Kevin O’Connell shares his honest thoughts on quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s return from a concussion.
While speaking with the press on Friday, he said that the rookie quarterback had a great week of practice. He also expressed faith in J.J. McCarthy’s talent as a quarterback despite his struggles this season.
“Cut it loose, pull the trigger,” Kevin O’Connell said. “You’re prepared. He understands his game plan. He’s had a really good week of practice. Threw the ball really well. I think it’s now a matter of a lot of the principles that we’ve talked about coming into play. And most importantly his decision making and giving these guys opportunities to make plays on the football.
“We’ve got playmakers that J.J. knows can do a lot of really good things if we get the ball in their hands and can we pitch and catch at the level that gives us the opportunities to stack positive plays and have success. Like I said he’s had a great week and I’m excited to watch him play on Sunday.”
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
After missing out on his entire rookie campaign due to an injury, J.J. McCarthy has suffered multiple injuries this season as well. The rookie quarterback started the first two games for the Vikings before being sidelined following a high ankle sprain during their Week 2 loss to the Falcons.
He returned in Week 9 and led his team to a 27-24 victory over the Detroit Lions. However, McCarthy’s performance took a dip in the next three games, resulting in consecutive losses for his team. He missed last week’s game against the Seahawks due to a concussion, but is cleared to return in Week 14 against the Commanders.
Colin Cowherd shares his honest thoughts on J.J. McCarthy’s future with the Vikings
Amid his on-field struggles, analyst Colin Cowherd made a suggestion for the Vikings heading into 2026.
On Tuesday’s episode of his show, he said that Kevin O’Connell’s team should focus on bringing in Mac Jones from the 49ers next season while McCarthy works through his inconsistencies and injury concerns.
“My takeaway from this draft is, you think I’m crazy, I would go get Mac Jones,” Cowherd said (Timestamp-1:50). “You won’t have to give up a first-round pick because you do have to pay him a little bit.
“I’m watching today, and I’m like J.J. McCarthy, forget the inefficiency, he can’t stay healthy. You have to go get somebody. I would get Mac Jones, I really would. I think to Kyle Shanahan, you’re going to have to give up probably a second-round pick, but you can keep your first.”
In six games this season, J.J. McCarthy has tallied 929 yards and six touchdowns passing. He has thrown 10 interceptions and has been sacked a total of 20 times.
The Vikings (4-8) vs Commanders (3-9) game will be played this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.