The Minnesota Vikings will have their starting quarterback in J.J. McCarthy after he cleared concussion protocol for their Week 14 game against the Washington Commanders.
However, McCarthy won’t be the only quarterback returning for this contest. Commanders coach Dan Quinn announced on December 5 that quarterback Jayden Daniels, sidelined since dislocating his left elbow on November 9, will start on December 7 against the Vikings.
Daniels, who fully participated in practice on December 4 and December 5, is set to face Minnesota’s NFL fifth-ranked passing defense. Moreover, the Commanders (3-9) are on a seven-game losing streak. Quinn added that getting Daniels back on the field is crucial, especially with five games left in his second season.
“It’s important for him, for his teammates,” Quinn said (h/t John Keim of ESPN). “All these [games] matter. As he’s developing, there are certain things he has to work on, too, to be as competitive and take care of things.”
Moreover, the Commanders’ quarterback also wanted to play in these final few games despite Washington being out of the playoff race.
“Who’s to say I’m not going to go into next year healthy?” Daniels said. “We take it one day at a time and before I was getting paid I was playing it for free. I have that passion for the game. I’m a young guy, I’m still trying to develop, still trying to learn. These games are critical.”
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Talks J.J. McCarthy Return
McCarthy, like Daniels, will look to use these final games to build positive momentum heading into 2026. For the Vikings starter, he will be looking to convince the front office that he’s the franchise quarterback after Minnesota went all-in on him, and the decision hasn’t worked out so far.
Ahead of his return, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to the media on December 3 about making the game simple for McCarthy, who had struggled before his concussion.
“I don’t want him overthinking or worrying about if the fundamentals need to be changed, if they need to be adjusted,” O’Connell said (h/t Vikings.com). “Let’s just make the throws. Let’s just throw and catch. Let’s just play with rhythm and understanding of the plan, and then the ultimate plan of our team on what it’s going to take to win a game involves not giving the ball away to the other team.”
J.J. McCarthy Told to End 2025 Season on Positive Note
While the playoffs are out of reach, McCarthy can still perform well and elevate his confidence. He will likely need to earn the starting job, with many expecting Minnesota to pursue a quarterback this offseason. Nonetheless, the second-year signal-caller can use these last few games to send a statement.
“J.J., the rest of this season, you have got to prove that you are the man,“ Chris Broussard said on the December 4 edition of “First Things First,”. “That’s all it’s about. It’s similar to Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland. This season is done as far as the playoffs. It’s about you showing Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings that you are their future franchise quarterback.
“Otherwise, is it off the board that Daniel Jones will be a free agent? Is it off the board that they make a lucrative offer to Daniel Jones? I don’t think it’s off the board.
“If J.J. struggles the rest of the season, they may go out—whether it’s Daniel Jones or Mac Jones—and try to make a trade for him or something like that. You could be in Zach Wilson territory if you don’t produce the rest of this season. J.J., I’m pulling for you. I am actually pulling for you.”
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