The Vikings are gearing up for a future without JJ McCarthy.
The young quarterback, who has had a challenging season, experienced concussion-like symptoms while flying home after the team’s loss to the Packers. In light of this, Minnesota has brought in additional players to prepare for the possibility that McCarthy won’t be cleared for the upcoming game against the Seahawks.
According to reports from ESPN, the Vikings have signed former Falcons third-round draft pick Desmond Ridder to their practice squad.
If McCarthy is unable to pass the concussion protocol for Week 13, the Vikings are set to start Max Brosmer.
With Carson Wentz out for the season due to a shoulder injury, the team is now leaning on a third-string quarterback.
Although Ridder hasn’t played this season, he had a stint with the Bengals during the preseason before being let go.
The Vikings initially picked him up in September, but he was released in October when McCarthy faced a high ankle sprain.
Last year, Ridder was with the Raiders, where he played in six games, recording 458 passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Unfortunately, the Raiders did not win any of those games.
Ridder might be activated from the practice squad to serve as a backup to Brosmer.
Brosmer came from the University of New Hampshire before joining the Golden Gophers, but his NFL debut has been quite modest—he completed just 5 of 8 passes, totaling 42 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions.
The Vikings find themselves in a tricky situation at quarterback, as McCarthy hasn’t grown as expected.
He missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus that required surgery and a lengthy recovery.
There are also rumors linking Minnesota to Daniel Jones, who had a standout year with the Colts and is on a one-year contract. This situation might lead to some competition between teams over his potential.
