Eagan, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy remained in concussion protocol Wednesday, feeling well enough to participate in limited practice but still unsure if he'll be able to play this weekend.
McCarthy was cleared to participate in individual drills but not team drills, coach Kevin O'Connell said. Rookie Max Brosmer led the first-team offense as he prepared for potentially his first career start. The struggling Vikings (4-7) play in Seattle on Sunday.
NFL policy prohibits players in concussion protocol from being interviewed by the media. The Vikings did not make Brosmer available to reporters on Wednesday, preferring to wait until after practice on Friday to determine the starting lineup for the game.
“As far as zero hour goes, I'm not sure that's how we look at it,” O'Connell said. “But you really want to take into account what his preparation has been, what the training week has been like, and what he's capable of doing, while knowing that ultimately it's not an arm or an ankle or anything like that. We're talking about his head.”
McCarthy reported symptoms on the team's flight home from Green Bay last weekend, a 22-6 loss during which the second-year starter, who has just six career starts due to injuries, again struggled with accuracy and timing.
“We can't announce anything yet, just listening to where it is now and where it might go,” O'Connell said. “Obviously we're going to be smart about both what's best for our team and what's best, most importantly, for J.J.
Someone who starts at quarterback may not have the entire offensive line in front of him. After fielding their entire starting five for the first time all season against the Packers, left tackle Christian Darrisaw (foot) and left guard Donovan Jackson (ankle) left the game with injuries. Neither player practiced Wednesday.
Both have a chance to play Sunday, O'Connell said, but Jackson in particular will have to “improve from where he is right now” in terms of soreness.
