Vikings Trust in McCarthy: Jefferson and Jones Support the Resurgence

EAGAN, Minn. – Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy could miss Sunday’s game against Seattle due to a concussion protocol. Despite this situation, two of the team’s most important veterans have expressed their confidence in his long-term future. The receiver Justin Jefferson and the running back Aaron Jones acknowledged McCarthy’s difficulties in the first six games of his career. Jefferson described McCarthy’s debut in 2025 as “tough”, but predicted an improvement in the future.

It’s early. He’s new to the game. He’s new to the NFL. He’s learning like everyone else has to learn as a rookie, and obviously he had to go through the mental stage of having to overcome an injury in the first year. So it was a difficult transition for him. But I feel like by learning in the last few games and, of course, throughout the course of this season, I think he’s going to react in a different way than everyone else thinks.

Justin Jefferson

McCarthy missed five games earlier this season due to a right ankle sprain. He reported concussion symptoms on the flight back from Green Bay on Sunday night and had limited practice on Wednesday as he remained in the league’s protocol. Rookie Max Brosmer took all the first-team reps and is expected to start on Sunday unless McCarthy is cleared. In McCarthy’s six starts this season, the Vikings have a 2-4 record. Jefferson has averaged 53 receiving yards in those games, a 43% drop from his career average. When asked why he thinks McCarthy will recover, Jefferson replied:

Just by talking to him. Talking to him and seeing the talent he has in his arm, seeing his composure, seeing the confidence he comes with every day. Of course, seeing the composure he has during the game. He’s relentless. He has the confidence to go out there. He just has to keep it up week after week and show up on Sundays with that mentality he’s had all week.

Justin Jefferson

Meanwhile, Jones said he has told McCarthy that he is proud of the way he has handled the adversity of this season.

I told them that those who dismissed it will have to recount.

Aaron Jones