Tag: Vikes

QB questions linger as Vikings visit Sam Darnold, Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Seattle Seahawks will be facing what amounts to a rookie quarterback when they play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Minnesota is all too familiar with the quarterback at the controls of the Seahawks’ offense.

J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024 who missed all of last season after surgery for a torn meniscus on his knee and several weeks earlier in this campaign with a high ankle sprain, was placed in the concussion protocol following last Sunday’s 23-6 loss at Green Bay.

With veteran backup Carson Wentz on injured reserve after shoulder surgery, that means the Vikings (4-7) might have to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

McCarthy was cleared to take part in individual drills in midweek practices but not work out with the full team, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said.

“As far as a zero hour, I don’t necessarily know if we’re looking at it like that,” O’Connell said. “But you do want to take into account what has (McCarthy’s) preparation been like, what has the practice week been like with what he’s able to do, while also knowing that ultimately this is not a hand or an ankle or anything like that. We’re talking about his head.”

Brosmer has attempted eight NFL passes since completing his collegiate career at Minnesota after being a graduate transfer from New Hampshire of the Football Championship Subdivision.

“We have nothing but confidence in him and what he can do as a player,” Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson said, “and it’ll be a good opportunity for all of us.”

Whomever starts at quarterback might be playing behind a rag-tag offensive line. The Vikings had their full complement of starters for the first time all season at Green Bay before left tackle Christian Darrisaw (foot) and left guard Donovan Jackson (ankle) left with injuries. Both sat out practice to begin the week.

The Seahawks (8-3) are coming off a 30-24 victory at Tennessee in which they built a 20-point lead in the third quarter and coasted from there.

Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seahawks in the offseason after resurrecting his career in Minnesota last year, completed 16 of 26 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.

Both TDs went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had eight catches for a season-high 167 yards.

Smith-Njibga leads the NFL in receiving yards with 1,313 and already has eclipsed the franchise record. With six games remaining, he could become the NFL’s first 2,000-yard receiver.

“It means a lot,” Smith-Njigba said of the team record. “This is a great organization, and great receivers have come through here. Honestly, I look at it as a team award, because, without Sam (Darnold), without the protection, without (fellow wideouts) Sheed (Rashid Shaheed) and Coop (Cooper Kupp), this doesn’t happen.”

Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who missed last week’s game with a knee injury, was a full participant in practice this week, while running back George Holani (hamstring), linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (ankle) and safety Ty Okada (oblique) sat out.

With Jones, the Seahawks’ defensive play-caller, sidelined, Patrick O’Connell was promoted from the practice squad and made a career-high nine tackles with a sack.

“Whoever it is, whatever number it is, whatever guy it is, when they are being called on and it’s their time to go, they’ve been ready,” Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas said. “So, credit to the guys that we have and the leadership really to get everybody ready to go for their moment.”

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) looks on during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) back at practice

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Justin Jefferson returned to the practice field for the Minnesota Vikings on Monday after nursing a left hamstring strain suffered early in training camp.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell promised reporters before practice that the star wide receiver would begin to “take part in bits and pieces” of practice to ramp up from his injury.

“He’s done such a good job with building his strength and doing the work with the medical team and the strength team that I think he feels like he’s pretty darn close and ready to go,” O’Connell said.

Jefferson worked on individual drills only, no team work, according to reporters on the scene.

“It feels great to get back into the normal routine,” Jefferson said afterward, per the Star Tribune. “I’ve been itching for it. Just glad that I’m feeling great again and back to being with the guys.”

Jefferson said the season opener Sept. 8 at the Chicago Bears is “for sure the target” for his return. That should allow Minnesota fans to breathe a sigh of relief that his current hamstring issue is not nearly as severe as his right hamstring tear from 2023, which caused him to miss seven games.

The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, Jefferson has recorded more receiving yards (7,432) than any other player through five NFL seasons. He already ranks fourth in franchise history in receiving yards and first in receiving yards per game (96.5), which also ranks first in NFL history.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Sam Darnold vies to play ‘smarter’ as Vikings visit Jaguars

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is focused on one statistic in particular as he and his teammates prepare to visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.

No, it’s not passing yards or touchdowns. It’s not even victories or winning percentage.

What is Darnold thinking about heading into Sunday’s kickoff? Turnovers — as in, limiting them, especially after he threw two interceptions and lost a fumble last week.

“At the end of the day, I need to make smarter decisions,” Darnold said. “I just have to continue to use my eyes and my feet, and go through my progressions, and continue to trust that.”

Despite some bumps along the way, Darnold has led Minnesota (6-2) to a strong start to the season as it heads to Jacksonville (2-7). The Vikings are coming off a 21-13 home win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, and they have outscored opponents by 59 points in 2024.

By comparison, Jacksonville is looking to rebound from back-to-back losses against the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in the past two weeks. The Jaguars have a minus-57 point differential and sit in last place in the AFC South entering Week 10.

An injury to Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence adds more uncertainty to a team that is desperate for a midseason turnaround. Lawrence hurt his non-throwing shoulder and was limited in practice on Wednesday. Jacksonville signed veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard as insurance for Lawrence.

Beathard spent the offseason with Jacksonville and is familiar with the playbook. If Lawrence cannot go, Mac Jones likely would make the start and Beathard would serve as the backup.

“From our standpoint, we felt like we had a really good quarterback room with the three guys,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. “C.J. got hurt there in camp and we had to let him go and all that, but we definitely wanted to at some point get him back here.

“I think it just strengthens our roster, strengthens that room. Trevor’s sore, obviously, and it gives us assurance.”

Lawrence said he hoped not to miss a beat. He absorbed a hit to his left shoulder on a scramble.

“I’m doing everything I can to be out there,” Lawrence said. “When I’ve gotten banged up in the past, just try to do everything I can during the week to prepare myself to play Sunday and put as much time as possible into that and getting healthy. That’s the way my mind is right now.”

The Vikings also are dealing with injuries, albeit at less heralded positions.

Minnesota signed kicker John Parker Romo this week to replace injured rookie Will Reichard. The 27-year-old Romo won a tryout this week at the Vikings’ training facility after Reichard went down with a strained right quadriceps.

Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola also will miss the game after undergoing surgery on his right hand. Minnesota signed veteran Jake McQuaide to take DePaola’s place.

The Jaguars and Vikings have played seven times. Minnesota leads the all-time series 6-1, including a 27-24 overtime win in the teams’ most recent matchup on Dec. 6, 2020.

Jacksonville is 2-2 at home this season. Minnesota is 2-1 on the road.

–Field Level Media

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy misses the trophy to celebrate 34-13 win over Washington at the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Vikings make first trade of draft to take QB J.J. McCarthy

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Rather than wait one more pick and risk another team jumping them in the order, the Minnesota Vikings moved up from No. 11 to No. 10 in the NFL draft to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Thursday night in Detroit.

The Vikings made the first trade of the draft by swapping spots with the New York Jets. Minnesota sent New York a fourth-rounder (No. 129 overall) and a fifth-rounder (No. 157) while receiving a sixth-rounder (No. 203) from the Jets in the deal.

McCarthy was the fifth quarterback off the board, following Caleb Williams (Chicago), Jayden Daniels (Washington), Drake Maye (New England) and Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta) at Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 8. Moments later, the Denver Broncos took Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12 for an unprecedented glut of QBs in the first 12 picks.

McCarthy helped guide Michigan to a national championship in 2023 by passing for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He added three touchdowns on the ground.

The Vikings bade farewell to Kirk Cousins this offseason and entered the draft with Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall on the QB depth chart.

With the 11th pick, the Jets drafted Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) hands the ball off to running back Alexander Mattison (2) during the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Vikings to release RB Alexander Mattison

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The Minnesota Vikings informed running back Alexander Mattison that they will release him, multiple reports said Thursday.

Mattison signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Vikings last spring. He was due to carry a $4.6 million cap hit in 2024.

He was a third-round draft pick by the team in 2019, and after four seasons as a sidekick and occasional substitute for Dalvin Cook, Mattison was given the starting job in 2023 after Cook was released.

Mattison set career highs in attempts (180) and yards (700) but failed to record a rushing touchdown and lost the starting role to Ty Chandler in December. Mattison also had 30 receptions for 192 yards and three touchdowns.

In 75 games (19 starts) over five seasons with the Vikings, Mattison, 25, rushed 584 times for 2,370 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 100 catches for 718 yards and six scores.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) looks at the big screen during second half of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings won’t trade Justin Jefferson; new deal was ‘close’ last year

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INDIANAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has no interest in trading star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

“That is not something that once crossed my mind,” Adofo-Mensah told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday. “You’ve got a blue(-chip) player, a blue(-chip) person. You try and keep as many of those as you can.”

Jefferson, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year two seasons ago, had his 2023 season interrupted by a hamstring injury but still finished with 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. He’s entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.

Adofo-Mensah told reporters the Vikings got “unbelievably close” to an extension agreement with Jefferson last spring, but that those deals don’t tend to get done after a player’s third year because of the uncertainty on both ends.

According to the GM, the Vikings believe Jefferson should be among the highest-paid players in the league.

“We’ve said it, and we continue to say, we think he’s the best receiver in the league and should be compensated as such,” Adofo-Mensah said. “We think he’s one of the best non-quarterbacks in the league, and should be compensated as such. So we’ll continue to have those dialogues and those conversations.

“I promised (Jefferson and his camp), and I will continue to promise them, I will not talk about our negotiations. I think the job should be done with integrity. So a lot of stuff that I hear is completely false, but I can’t get up here and tell you what’s not true or not false, because that’s not that’s not how I promised them I would operate.”

The “completely false” stuff, as it turns out, includes considering a trade.

“We’re excited to have him and continue those conversations because he’s somebody we want around for a long time,” Adofo-Mensah said.

Among the question marks involved in Jefferson’s decision is who will be throwing him the ball long-term. Kirk Cousins, who will turn 36 before the start of the new season, will have his contract void March 13 unless the Vikings reach an extension with him.

Complicating matters, Cousins ruptured his right Achilles in late October and is in the middle of rehabbing the first major injury of his NFL career. He posted a video to social media Monday showing him backpedaling and throwing on an indoor tennis court.

“You know Kirk, obviously again, another person we’ve had these dialogues the past couple of seasons, had a great conversation with him a few days ago,” Adofo-Mensah said. “Same thing, though, with the other day. It’s, we have our interests. He has his. We’ll get to the table to see if we can figure out a creative solution and kind of meet in the middle. That’s what every contract negotiation is. And that’s what it’ll be with him.”

The GM said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has talked with Jefferson about the team’s quarterback situation.

“I think any great player, especially a wide receiver should want to have a great quarterback, who’s accurate and is gonna throw him the football when he’s open,” Adofo-Mensah said. “And he gets open better than anybody else in the league. So that is something that’s important.

“… I think you got to treat players like partners, you got to bring them in and have those conversations with them. And that’s something we’ll do with Justin.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) reacts after missing a field goal attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Late field goal lets Vikings beat Raiders 3-0

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Greg Joseph made a 36-yard field goal with 1:57 remaining to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 3-0 win over the host Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

Joseph’s kick proved to be enough for Minnesota (7-6). The Vikings’ defense did the rest, limiting the Raiders to 202 total yards and stuffing 11 of 14 third-down opportunities.

Aidan O’Connell completed 21 of 32 passes for 171 yards and an interception for Las Vegas (5-8). Davante Adams caught seven passes for 53 yards.

Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. intercepted O’Connell with 1:52 remaining to seal the win. Pace finished with 13 tackles and one sack to go along with his first career pick.

Vikings backup quarterback Nick Mullens took over in the fourth quarter and led the drive that created the game’s only points. Mullens completed 9 of 13 passes for 83 yards.

Mullens replaced starter Joshua Dobbs, who was benched after completing 10 of 23 passes for 63 yards. He also rushed five times for 21 yards.

The game was riddled with injuries to starters for both teams.

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson sustained a chest injury in the first half and did not return. Jefferson was taken to a hospital in the second half for precautionary reasons.

The three-time Pro Bowl wideout was injured while making a 15-yard catch. He leaped and raised both of his arms to grab a high pass from Dobbs, and while his ribs were exposed he absorbed a hard hit from Raiders safety Marcus Epps.

Jefferson finished the game with two catches for 27 yards. It was his first game back after he missed the previous seven games because of a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Vikings running back Alexander Mattison departed with an ankle injury in the second half. He finished with 10 carries for 66 yards.

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs limped off the field with a right knee injury during the fourth quarter. The fifth-year veteran finished with 13 carries for 34 yards to go along with two receptions for 16 yards.

Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill also sustained an ankle injury and did not return.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (chest) taken to hospital

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was taken to a Las Vegas hospital for precautionary reasons after sustaining a chest injury Sunday afternoon against the Raiders.

Jefferson was injured while making a 15-yard catch across the middle. He leaped for a high pass, and while both of his arms were raised, he absorbed a hard hit on the back right side of his ribs from Raiders safety Marcus Epps.

The injury prompted an early exit for Jefferson, who was playing for the first time in eight games. He sustained a right hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jefferson averaged 135.8 receiving yards per game through his first four games of the season.

The NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, he finished the game with two catches for 27 yards.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson draws closer to return from injury

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Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is trending toward making his return to the lineup from a hamstring injury this Sunday at Denver.

Jefferson was a limited participant at practice Thursday for the second straight day.

Minnesota opened Jefferson’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve last week. Jefferson, who has not played since Oct. 8, said then that he wouldn’t return to the field until he felt 100 percent, and he underscored that stance in comments Thursday.

“Well, I’m the main person who’s gonna make the decision,” Jefferson told reporters. “At the end of the day, I’m the person that’s going out there running, putting my body on the line to win games.”

Jefferson, 24, suffered the hamstring injury during a Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has 36 catches for 571 yards and three TDs this season.

He said he is working on building up his endurance day by day, hoping for minimal soreness in the hamstring as he increases what he does at practice. Jefferson had previously explained that hamstring injuries can linger, “and it comes back from time to time if you don’t put the right treatment into it.”

The Vikings (6-4) have won five straight and are 2-0 since Joshua Dobbs took over at quarterback following injuries to Kirk Cousins and rookie Jaren Hall. They are just 1 1/2 games behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North race.

Coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday that his star wideout was in “that day-to-day, ramping-him-up phase,” and the team would determine whether he could be activated in time for the Broncos game.

“I know how I feel. I know how my hamstring is feeling,” Jefferson said. “Of course, we’re going to weigh all the different opinions and what everyone has to say. But at the end of the day, I’m the one that’s going out there and putting my body on the line.”

Dobbs is on the team’s injury report with an ankle issue but practiced in full Wednesday and Thursday. Cornerback Akayleb Evans (calf) missed practice for the second straight day. Tight end T.J. Hockenson (ribs) and running back Alexander Mattison (concussion) were limited.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) scores on a touchdown run as New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) look on during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Joshua Dobbs continues to impress as Vikings beat Saints for 5th straight win

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Joshua Dobbs passed for one touchdown and rushed for another in his first start with Minnesota, leading the Vikings to a 27-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Minneapolis.

Dobbs had another strong game after being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance off the bench in producing a come-from behind victory in his Vikings debut a week earlier at Atlanta. On Sunday, he passed for 268 yards and rushed for 44 as Minnesota (6-4) won its fifth consecutive game.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr left the game due to a third-quarter injury. Jameis Winston replaced him and threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions for the Saints (5-5).

Greg Joseph kicked a 33-yard field goal to start the third-quarter scoring and extend Minnesota’s lead to 27-3.

On the ensuing possession, Carr was sacked by the Vikings’ Jonathan Bullard. On the next play, he was hit by defensive linemen Danielle Hunter while completing a pass. Carr suffered a concussion and an injury to his right shoulder, which he also hurt in Week 3.

Winston entered and completed his first three passes. The third was a 14-yard touchdown to Chris Olave and a two-point conversion run by Alvin Kamara pulled New Orleans within 16 points at the end of the third quarter.

Joseph missed a 54-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter and Winston threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie A.T. Perry. Kamara ran for another two-point conversion cutting the lead to 27-19 with 11:40 left.

Winston was intercepted by Mekhi Blackmon at the Vikings 18 with 3:06 remaining and again by Byron Murphy Jr. with 1:49 left. His Hail Mary pass failed as time expired.

The Vikings received the opening kickoff and Dobbs completed his first four passes for 52 yards, leading to Joseph’s 40-yard field goal.

Blake Grupe’s 48-yard field goal tied the score at 3 near the end of the first quarter.

Ty Chandler rushed 2 yards for the game’s first touchdown, giving Minnesota a 10-3 lead.

Dobbs scrambled 7 yards for a touchdown and threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson to expand the Vikings’ lead to 24-3 at halftime.

–Field Level Media