McCarthy available vs. Commanders after clearing concussion protocol

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has cleared the league's concussion protocol and is expected to start Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

McCarthy sustained the injury during Minnesota's game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 23. He missed the Vikings' 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week, with Max Brosmer getting the starting nod.

The Vikings are hopeful that McCarthy can remain healthy for the final five games of the regular season with the aim of evaluating their roster.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell wants McCarthy to focus on enjoying the game instead of getting bogged down in the finer details of playing quarterback.

"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 Thursday, according to team reporter Lindsey Young. "Let's just make the throws. ... 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."

The Vikings are optimistic that the 2024 10th overall pick can end his first full season in the NFL on a positive note. McCarthy missed his rookie campaign after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.

The Michigan product has thrown for 929 yards, completing 54.1% of his pass attempts for six touchdowns and racking up 10 interceptions in six games this season.