Vikings Turn to Undrafted Rookie as McCarthy Ruled Out vs. Seahawks

One year after emerging as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves fighting to stay afloat. Last season’s 14–3 finish, powered by Sam Darnold’s career year, created expectations that the organization hoped would carry over into a new era. Instead, the transition to rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy has been uneven and, at times, costly.

Minnesota’s decision to move on from Darnold was based on long-term planning, but the short-term results have been difficult to ignore. While the veteran has led the Seattle Seahawks to an impressive 8–3 record, McCarthy and the Vikings have sputtered to a 4–7 mark. The young quarterback has struggled with NFL speed and physicality, culminating in a concussion suffered during last week’s loss to Green Bay.

McCarthy remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game, adding another layer of instability to a team already trying to regain its footing. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the decision, which forces Minnesota to explore deeper into its depth chart.

That path leads to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who will make his first NFL start—against the very quarterback Minnesota replaced and a Seattle secondary widely regarded as one of the league’s best.

1. A Difficult Turn at Quarterback

The Vikings’ quarterback situation has been a focal point of the season, and McCarthy’s injury only amplifies the challenges. The organization hoped the first-round pick would show signs of progress by midseason, but inconsistency and inexperience have slowed his development. Now, the team must adjust on the fly with a quarterback who has yet to face meaningful NFL action. McCarthy’s concussion is the latest in a series of setbacks for Minnesota’s offense. Without the rookie’s mobility and arm talent, the unit will need to lean on its run game and short-area passing to avoid placing too much weight on Brosmer’s shoulders. That recalibration will be tested immediately against a Seattle team thriving on defensive discipline. Minnesota’s coaching staff has expressed confidence in its ability to adapt, but the gap between game-prep optimism and game-day performance remains significant. The Vikings will need near-flawless execution to stay competitive on the road. Facing Darnold adds a dramatic twist—one that highlights the divergent paths the two franchises have taken since last season’s surprising success.

2. Brosmer’s Unlikely Rise

Max Brosmer’s journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. He began his college career at the University of New Hampshire, where he emerged as one of the top passers in the FCS. His final season there included a national-best 3,464 passing yards and the top yards-per-game average in his division, showcasing a productive and efficient command of the offense. Seeking a higher level of competition, Brosmer transferred to the University of Minnesota as a graduate student. His lone season with the Golden Gophers proved equally impressive. He set a single-season program record with 268 completions and posted an 18-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, earning praise for his accuracy and leadership. Despite that résumé, Brosmer went undrafted—a common outcome for quarterbacks outside the Power Five pipeline. Minnesota signed him as a developmental prospect, intrigued by his poise and decision-making. Through his first four NFL appearances, all in late-game situations, Brosmer has completed five of eight passes for 42 yards. Sunday will be the first time he operates as a full-time starter against a top-tier defense.

3. A Steep Test Against an Elite Defense

Seattle enters the matchup with one of the league’s strongest secondaries, a unit built on physical defensive backs and a scheme designed to limit big plays. For a quarterback making his first start, the environment offers little margin for error. The Seahawks have generated pressure consistently and have thrived on creating turnovers, traits that can challenge even veteran passers. The Vikings will need to protect Brosmer with a balanced approach, likely emphasizing quick throws, designed rollouts, and a controlled tempo. Success on the ground may be critical in keeping Seattle’s pass rush off-balance. Minnesota’s receivers will also be tasked with winning early in routes to provide Brosmer with manageable reads. Playing on the road complicates the assignment further. Seattle’s home atmosphere is among the league’s most intense, and noise could affect communication at the line of scrimmage. How Brosmer handles those early moments may set the tone for the afternoon. Still, Minnesota sees the situation as an opportunity to evaluate a young quarterback under pressure. Regardless of outcome, the experience will offer valuable insight into Brosmer’s potential role moving forward.